Month: April 2026

Indian equity markets crashed on Monday morning after United States President Donald Trump announced a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The BSE Sensex stood at 76,135.92, marking a decline of 1,414.33 points or 1.82 per cent, while the NSE Nifty 50 dropped 407.00 points to 23,643.60 at 9:15 am.

Markets showed a significant sell-off in key indices as global sentiment turned risk-averse following volatile negotiations between the US and Iran. The market reaction followed US President Donald Trump’s announcement to restrict access through the Strait of Hormuz. Crude oil prices, which previously hovered between 94 and 100 dollars, surged back above 105 dollars, reintroducing immediate inflationary concerns for the Indian economy. Indian rupee was down 66 paisa against US dollar at Rs 93.35 per USD.

Energy PSUs like Coal India stood at Rs 433.65, down by 0.10 per cent, NTPC stood at Rs 377.60, down by 0.67 per cent, while ONGC touched Rs 283.60, down by 1.01 per cent

Tata Steel dropped to Rs 202.40 or (-2.04%) while JSW Steel stood at Rs 1,191.70, down by 1.90 per cent.

Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market Expert, speaking exclusively to ANI, said, “I would say we have to be very cautious about the Indian market. There might be a ‘Trump pump’ this evening because why would he post all this on Sunday? That was basically to make Asian markets panic and you could see a pivot before the US market opened when all shots were in place. You have to just wait and watch and conserve your capital. As retail investors, that’s the best we can do in this scenario. Banks are making solid money. Retail investors get butchered in this kind of a scenario. So stay away, is what I would say, from trading.”

Bagga highlighted that the shortage and the increase in prices would lead to global inflation and a slowdown in the economy. He observed that the rupee came under pressure because higher oil prices meant a higher current account deficit for the country.

Ajay Bagga further stated, “Last Wednesday there was hope in the markets that something was coming by, when the ceasefire and the talks were announced. But that momentum has faded. So we are again getting negative on the Indian markets and against the earnings driving the market, its geopolitical risk which will drive the markets. Because even over the weekend what was happening, if 40 people were asking for oil, only four were getting fulfilled. So what that is pointing out is that there is a shortage plus you are having to pay anything from USD 120 to USD 140 per barrel.”

Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, said, “Global sentiment has turned sharply risk-averse following a renewed escalation in geopolitical tensions. The earlier relief from the temporary US-Iran ceasefire has reversed, as reports indicate that the US has moved to restrict access through the Strait of Hormuz following failed negotiations.”

He highlighted that this development was critical, as the route carries a significant portion of global oil supply. “Crude oil prices, which had corrected from above $110 to the $94-100 range, have now surged back above $105, reintroducing inflationary and macro concerns,” Ponmudi said.

Experts noted that the rally in Indian equities seen last week remained at risk as markets shifted back into a risk-off mode. The Nifty 50 slipped below the critical 24,000 level, indicating a weak start driven by these renewed geopolitical concerns. (ANI)

Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday said the region is “hanging between trust and mistrust” amid delays in the next round of dialogue with the Centre, urging timely intervention from the government to address growing concerns in the sensitive border region.

He warned that the prolonged gap in dialogue is creating disillusionment and “sowing the seeds of the Leh-Kargil (Buddhist – Muslim) divide”.

Sharing a post on X, Wangchuk said, “HANGING BETWEEN TRUST & MISTRUST – LADAKH AWAITS DIALOGUE…Today marks exactly one month since the unconditional revocation of my detention under the NSA, 1980. The revocation order gave us hope that the Centre was willing to correct past mistakes, as it spoke of “building mutual trust” for a “constructive and meaningful dialogue.” However, even after 2.5 months since the last dialogue on 4th February, not even a date for the next round of talks has been announced.”

He further cautioned that the delay was being exploited to create divisions in the region. “On the ‘trust’ front, shady entities are using this gap to sow seeds of the Leh-Kargil (Buddhist – Muslim) divide,” he wrote.

Expressing concern over growing public sentiment in the sensitive border region, Wangchuk urged the Centre to expedite engagement.

“As people in this sensitive border region grow disheartened and demoralised, I urge Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi ji and HM Amit Shah ji to take timely measures, in national interest, to resolve the issues at the earliest,” he added.

On March 14, the Government revoked the detention of Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect by exercising the powers available under the National Security Act (NSA).

Ministry of Home Affairs said that in the backdrop of the serious law and order situation that arose in the peace-loving town of Leh on 24 September 2025, Sonam Wangchuk was detained on 26 September 2025 under the provisions of the National Security Act (NSA) pursuant to an order issued by the District Magistrate, Leh, with a view to maintaining public order.

The Government has been actively engaging with various stakeholders and community leaders in Ladakh with a view to addressing the aspirations and concerns of the people of the region.

The Government added that they remain committed to fostering an environment of peace, stability, and mutual trust in Ladakh so as to facilitate constructive and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders.

The Government reiterated its commitment to providing all necessary safeguards for Ladakh. It remains hopeful that the issues concerning the region will be resolved through constructive engagement and dialogue, including through the mechanism of the High-Powered Committee as well as other appropriate platforms. (ANI)

Indian equity indices are set for a significant correction at the opening bell following President Trump’s announcement of a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. The escalation comes after the collapse of negotiations, pushing market sentiment into a cautious “risk-off” zone as domestic investors weigh the impact of surging energy costs.

Investors are advised to avoid attempting to time the market volatility. “Not the time to trade. Invest, do your discipline monthly investment through the SIP route. Do not try to time this market because I don’t think the bottom has formed but nobody knows when the bottom will be formed,” said Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market expert, in a conversation with ANI.

He indicated that Indian markets are pointing toward a “1.3 to 1.5% cut at the open”, driven by geopolitical friction rather than corporate fundamentals.

“Last Wednesday, there was hope in the markets that something was coming by when the ceasefire and the talks were announced. But that momentum has faded. So we are again getting negative on the Indian markets and against the earnings driving the market, it’s geopolitical risk which will drive the markets,” Bagga said.

The primary concern for the domestic economy remains the sharp spike in crude oil prices, which have surpassed the USD 100 per barrel mark. For a country heavily reliant on energy imports, the rising cost of Brent and WTI poses a direct threat to the current account deficit and the stability of the rupee.

Bagga noted that last year, India spent approximately USD 150 billion on energy imports, including crude oil, gas, and petrochemicals. At current price levels, that annual bill is projected to climb as high as USD 225 billion to USD 250 billion.

“Even over the weekend, what was happening, if 40 people were asking for oil, only four were getting fulfilled. So what that is pointing out is that there is a shortage, plus you are having to pay anything from USD 120 to USD 140 per barrel. Now that will not stop because of what has happened. That shortage and the increase in prices will not stop. That will lead to inflation globally, including in India, and the slowdown in the economy,” Bagga explained.

The disruption also threatens India’s trade and remittance ecosystem. Bagga highlighted that nearly 20 per cent of Indian goods exports are facing hurdles as transit through the Red Sea and Gulf of Oman becomes constrained.

The market expert noted that the crisis impacts the one crore Indians living in the Gulf, with about nine lakh people having already returned home as construction and gig economy work dries up. This creates a potential shortfall for states like Kerala that rely heavily on the remittance economy.

“Caution on the Indian markets, caution on the global markets, conserve capital right now, not the time to go bottom picking because you might be catching falling knives and get hurt in the process,” Bagga warned. (ANI)

A road accident occurred late Sunday evening on the Yamuna Expressway in the Mathura district, where a passenger bus travelling from Delhi to Bihar suddenly went out of control and overturned, causing chaos and panic at the scene.

According to reports, the bus was travelling at high speed when, near Milestone 76 within the Naujheel police station limits, the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to flip over. Approximately a dozen passengers are reported to have sustained injuries in the accident, with several said to be in critical condition. On a reassuring note, there have been no reports of any fatalities so far.

Upon receiving news of the incident, local police rushed to the scene and immediately initiated relief and rescue operations. The injured were transported via ambulance to the Naujheel Community Health Centre, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Additionally, some of the injured were shifted to the District Hospital, where a team of doctors is actively engaged in their care.

According to eyewitnesses, the bus was travelling at high speed, and the accident occurred due to a sudden loss of control. The police have initiated an investigation into the matter and are working to ascertain the exact causes of the accident.

Speaking to ANI, Circle Officer (CO) Sandeep Singh said, “A bus from Delhi en route to Darbhanga overturned on the Yamuna Expressway. The police teams arrived on the spot immediately and rescued the passengers. 10-12 people were injured in the incident and have been sent for treatment.”

City Magistrate Anupam Mishra on the incident said, “A bus, going to Bihar, met with an accident, where certain people were injured and are currently undergoing treatment in the district hospital. There is no risk currently.” (ANI)

Following his side’s win over the Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar offered some fitness updates on star batter Virat Kohli, saying that the 37-year-old veteran is doing okay.

After a slip-up against the Rajasthan Royals (RR), RCB came back to winning ways with an 18-run win over arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium. Phil Salt, Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar scored magnificent fifties to power RCB to 240/4. MI fell 18 runs short, ending at 222/5 despite a stunner 71* in 31 balls by Sherfane Rutherford, which had nine sixes and a four. Notably, Virat did not come to the field and was seen wearing a jacket while sitting out of the field.

Speaking after the post-match about any possible injury to Virat as being reported, Patidar said, “I do not know yet, but I think he, I feel that he is okay right now.”

About the win, Patidar said that there is clarity given to all the players in the batting line-up and spoke on the atmosphere and fanfare at iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

“Whenever we come here in Mumbai, especially at this ground, the atmosphere, the fans, and playing along with them and playing in a full-packed stadium – that is a different feeling. It was, I would say it is a more clarity about every individual, I would say (on the strong batting). And the way Virat Bhai and Salt started the innings, I think that kept us in the driving seat. Then a good cameo by me and Tim (David), I think that was a pure team effort.”

On his preference for spin or pace, both bowling forms that he has absolutely butchered in his season, Patidar said, “To be honest, people used to say that I love playing spin, but if someone asks me, I would say I love playing pace. And the playing pace on this track, I think it’s a very good track to play for a fast bowler. So I think I love facing fast bowling.”

Against spin this season, Patidar has faced 59 balls, scoring 129 runs at a strike rate of 218.94, with nine fours and 11 sixes, being dismissed twice. Against pace, he has made 66 in 32 balls, with a strike rate of 206.25, including two fours and seven sixes, being dismissed once.

Patidar is the joint-highest six-hitter with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (18) this season and is the second-highest run-getter, with 195 runs in four innings at an average of 65.00 and a strike rate of 214.28, with two fifties. (ANI)

The devotees at Varanasi’s Dashashwamedh Ghat paid tribute to legendary singer Asha Bhosle by observing a two-minute silence prior to the commencement of the Ganga Aarti on Sunday.

Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle passed away in Mumbai on Sunday at the age of 92, marking the end of an era in Indian music. She died at Breach Candy Hospital, where she had been admitted on Saturday evening following extreme exhaustion and a chest infection.

Confirming the cause of death, Dr Pratit Samdani said, “Asha Bhosle breathed her last today in Breach Candy Hospital. She passed away due to multi-organ failure.”

Her son, Anand Bhosle, confirmed the news and shared details of the final rites, saying, “My mother passed away today. People can pay their last respects to her at 11 am tomorrow at Casa Grande, Lower Parel, where she lived. Her last rites will be performed at 4 pm tomorrow at Shivaji Park.”

Observing a two-minute silence, people offered prayers for the peace of Asha Bhosle’s departed soul at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Holding posters in their hands and offering lamps in the waters of the Ganges, they prayed for the salvation of the departed soul.

Born Asha Mangeshkar on September 8, 1933, in Sangli, she entered a household steeped in classical music. The daughter of the revered Pt Deenanath Mangeshkar and the younger sister of Lata Mangeshkar, her destiny seemed intertwined with melody from the very beginning.

Yet her journey was far from easy. The sudden death of her father when she was just nine years old made her and her sister step into the world of playback singing.

Asha Bhosle’s breakthrough came in 1957 with ‘Naya Daur,’ in collaboration with composer OP Nayyar. It was a turning point that revealed her unique tonal quality, which was playful, expressive, and daring. Soon, she became the unmistakable voice behind some of Hindi cinema’s most vivacious characters, especially for the iconic dancer Helen.

‘Dil Cheez Kya Hai’ and ‘In Aankhon Ki Masti’ were not just songs; they were masterclasses in restraint and nuance. For this, she earned her first National Film Award, affirming her place among the greats of Indian classical and semi-classical music.

Her ability to evolve with time was perhaps her most remarkable trait. Decades into her career, she embraced change with the curiosity of a newcomer. Her collaboration with AR Rahman in ‘Rangeela’ (1995), particularly in songs like ‘Tanha Tanha,’ stunned audiences; here was a voice in its sixties sounding fresher and contemporary, just like the singers half her age.

She even ventured beyond Indian music, collaborating with international artists and genres, proving that her artistry knew no borders. Recognition followed her at every stage. She was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, in 2008. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Indian cinema’s most prestigious recognition, came in 2000.

She won multiple Filmfare Awards and received international acclaim, including a historic Grammy nomination in 1997 for her album ‘Legacy.’ (ANI)

India signed off their 2026 Asian Wrestling Championships campaign in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Sunday with two silver and a bronze medal to take their overall medal tally to 17 medals, which also includes two gold medals.

India finished with a tally of two gold, six silver and nine bronze. The Indian freestyle wrestlers finished with two gold, three silver and two bronze medals while the women bagged one silver and four bronze medals.

On the final day of competition, India had two wrestlers in gold medal bouts, but neither could find a way past their respective opponents, according to a release.

In the 61kg freestyle final, Aman Sehrawat went down to Kwang Myong Kim of North Korea in a high-scoring final that ended 13-10 in the Koreans’ favour.

Aman, a Paris Olympics bronze medallist in the 57kg weight category, was playing in a higher weight category in Bishkek.

Later, Mukul Dahiya went down 0-7 against Iran’s Kamran G Ghasempour in the men’s 86kg freestyle final to take India’s silver medal tally to six.

Dinesh then signed off the India campaign with a bronze medal as he registered a dominant 12-1 win over Arslanbek Turdubekov of Kyrgyzstan in the men’s 125kg freestyle bout. (ANI)

Star India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli continued his love affair with Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Wankhede Stadium as he became the first-ever batter to hit 1,000 runs against the five-time champions on Sunday.

During the high-octane match against MI, Virat held one end steady as Phil Salt and skipper Rajat Patidar fired massive sixes, scoring 50 in 38 balls, with five fours and a six, at a strike rate of over 131.

Now against MI, Virat has scored 1,030 runs in 36 innings at an average of 32.18 and a strike rate of 129.23, with a best score of 92* and seven fifties.

In his four innings in this edition of the season so far, Virat has made 179 runs at an average of 59.66, with a strike rate of 162.72, including two fifties and a best score of 69*.

In 23 matches and innings at Wankhede Stadium, Virat has made 888 runs at an average of 55.5, with a strike rate of 148.49, with nine fifties and a best score of 92*.

Virat also had a century partnership with Phil Salt, registering his 47th century partnership in T20s, the most by a batter in T20s, outdoing Chris Gayle, who was involved in 46 such stands.

A 120-run stand between Salt (78 in 36 balls, with six fours and six sixes) and Virat and a 65-run stand between Virat (50 in 38 balls, with five fours and a six) and skipper Patidar (53 in 20 balls, with four boundaries and five sixes) and later some brutal hitting from David (34* in 16 balls, with two fours and three sixes) pushed RCB to a massive score of 240/4 in 20 overs. (ANI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said India has the maximum number of ships that have sailed across the Strait of Hormuz, as he underlined the country’s “balanced” approach amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.

He credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for helping India remain stable despite global uncertainty and said the country has maintained its economic momentum even as tensions in West Asia continue to affect energy prices and supply chains.

Addressing a gathering in Lucknow, the Defence Minister said India has managed these challenges through “balanced” diplomacy and a strong push for domestic production. He added that India’s ties with both the United States and Iran have helped protect its strategic interests.

“When such things happen, uncertainty increases. Regarding the ships that set sail, India has the maximum number of ships that have sailed. We have good relations with America and also with Iran. Prices rose in many places; they did not remain stable. What was said about LPG? Except for India, all other countries faced difficulties. A crisis is ongoing in West Asia; Iran’s missiles are not reaching America. If anyone has played a balanced role, it is India,” Singh said.

The Minister also spoke about India’s growing economic and defence strength. He said the country, once considered economically weak, is now among the top four economies in the world.

“We used to be considered weak in terms of the economy, but now we are in the top 4,” the minister said.

He also highlighted progress in defence production and said India is moving towards self-reliance.

“Previously, we used to import weapons and drones from other countries, but today we have become self-reliant. Defence production has seen a massive increase, and the country is becoming truly Atmanirbhar,” he added.

On the same day, at the release of the book Smriti Naad, Rajnath Singh spoke about the life and values of late leader Lalji Tandon on his 91st birth anniversary.

“Today, we have all gathered here on the 91st birth anniversary of the late Lalji Tandon… I have been told that Tandon ji was immensely enthusiastic about the publication of the very book ‘Smriti Naad’… While I have not read the book in its entirety, I have certainly read excerpts from it. The book contains numerous anecdotes illustrating that Tandon ji’s personal values bore the imprint of many great personalities, just as his own life left a lasting impression on countless others…” he said.

Later, he also visited an audio-visual museum set up at the venue. Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana was present during the inspection of the digital archives and historical displays. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Sunday expressed confidence that Tehran would eventually concede to American demands, while simultaneously issuing a stern warning regarding the potential for total military devastation.

Speaking to Fox News, the President suggested that Iran’s return to the bargaining table is inevitable. “I predict they come back and they give us everything we want,” Trump said.

Emphasising the perceived lack of leverage on the part of the Iranian leadership, he added, “I want everything… They have no cards.”

The President also stood by his recent provocative rhetoric, including a threat made last week that a “whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again.”

He argued that such hardline messaging was the primary catalyst for the recent diplomatic engagement. “When I say about a civilization, it really has changed. It really has. But think of it. They’re allowed to say, ‘Death to America. Death to this,'” Trump told Fox News.

“And I make one statement. They say, ‘Oh, such a big deal.’ That statement got them to the bargaining table, and they haven’t left it.”

The President’s remarks follow the recent conclusion of marathon negotiations in Islamabad, which ended without a formal agreement.

Trump intensified his warnings during the interview, echoing previous threats to target the core of Iran’s national infrastructure. “I could take out Iran in one day,” the President asserted.

Detailing the scope of potential military action, he warned of a rapid and irreversible strike against the country’s power and logistical networks.

“In one hour, I could have their entire energy, everything, every one of their plants, their electric generating plants, which is a big deal. And I hate to do it, because if I do it, it takes you 10 years to rebuild. They’ll never be able to rebuild it. And the other thing you take out are the bridges,” he remarked.

This escalatory rhetoric from Washington comes in the immediate wake of a grueling 21-hour diplomatic session in Pakistan.

Following the marathon talks, US Vice President JD Vance departed for the United States as the stalemate persists between the two parties.

The Vice President left shortly after speaking to reporters in the early hours of Sunday, noting that this deadlock has pushed peace efforts significantly back in the first round of negotiations.

Confirming the lack of progress, Vance stated that no agreement had been reached, characterising the development as “bad news for Iran” more than for the United States.

“We’ve had a number of substance agreements with the Iranians–that is the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. That is bad news for Iran, much more than it is bad news for the United States of America. We go back to the United States having not come to an agreement,” Vance said.

The Vice President underlined that while the US had clearly defined its “red lines” and areas of accommodation, Tehran “chose not to accept our terms.”

Responding to the media, Vance reiterated that Washington had sought an affirmative commitment from Tehran not to seek nuclear weapons or the tools to achieve them, adding, “We just could not get to a situation where the Iranians were willing to accept our terms.”

Despite being “very flexible and accommodating,” Vance noted that the talks could not make headway.

He revealed that Washington has left behind a “final and best offer” for the Iranian leadership to consider.

Meanwhile, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported that the dialogue ended because “excessive demands” by the US prevented a framework from being reached, citing nuclear rights and the Strait of Hormuz as the primary points of contention. (ANI)