Month: April 2026

The United States have reportedly found the F-15 crew member alive, who went missing after Iran downed the jet amid the West Asia conflict, former US Special Forces personnel and journalist Jack Murphy claimed.

In an X post, Murphy wrote, “Good news for once. F-15 WSO recovered alive. Was escaping and evading. Massive firefight on tgt. Iranians were actively looking for him in the area.”

However, no official confirmation has been made regarding the claim.

Al Jazeera, citing a US government official, also reported that the crew member was recovered after a “heavy firefight”.

Both the US and Iran were conducting search operations for the missing crew member. During the search operations, Iranian tribesmen reportedly opened fire on American helicopters, according to CNN.

The incident occurred in the isolated highlands of the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad provinces, as well as the Bakhtiari region, where local groups targeted two Black Hawk helicopters on Saturday, as detailed by Iran’s Fars News Agency.

Following the confrontation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) praised the tribal groups, describing them as “courageous, valiant and victorious guardians of the borders,” as per reports cited by CNN.

This commendation follows the release of footage on Friday allegedly depicting nomadic Bakhtiari tribesmen armed with rifles patrolling the mountainous terrain of Iran’s Khuzestan province in search of the American personnel. In the video, one of the individuals is heard saying, “God willing, he will be found.”

To further incentivise the search, Iranian authorities had reportedly announced substantial financial bounties for the successful capture of the missing individual.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump withheld details regarding the potential US response should a missing crew member, forced to eject over Iran, be harmed or captured, The Independent reported.

The President declined to specify a course of action during a brief telephone interview on Friday. When questioned by The Independent about the measures he might take if the airman is mistreated by Iranian forces, Trump stated, “Well, I can’t comment on it because we hope that’s not going to happen.”

In latest development in the situation in West Asia, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have destroyed the MQ-9 Reaper drone in the central city of Isfahan, according to the Fars news agency. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended greetings on Easter, saying the day “celebrates hope and renewal.”

He wished for peace, joy, and unity, urging that the teachings of Jesus Christ inspire kindness and strengthen social togetherness.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Greetings on Easter. This sacred day celebrates hope and renewal. May it bring peace, joy and brightness to everyone’s lives. May the teachings of Jesus Christ inspire all to be kind and strengthen the spirit of togetherness in society.”

On this occasion, Pope Leo XIV, presiding over the Easter Vigil Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, urged the faithful to overcome fear, mistrust, and resentment.

He said these burdens “weigh heavily on the human heart” and can divide people and nations, calling on all not to be paralysed by them.

“Even today, there are tombs to be opened, and often the stones sealing them are so heavy and so closely guarded that they seem to be immovable. Some weigh heavily on the human heart, such as mistrust, fear, selfishness and resentment; others, stemming from these inner struggles, sever the bonds between us through war, injustice and the isolation of peoples and nations. Let us not allow ourselves to be paralysed by them!” Pope Leo said in a post on X.

Easter, one of the most significant festivals in Christianity, is being celebrated across the country and in different parts of the world with joy and devotion. Churches are holding special Masses and prayer services to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who was crucified and rose again on the third day.

Christians observe a 40-day Lenten period in preparation for Easter each year. This year, Lent began on February 18 with Ash Wednesday. During this period, devotees engaged in various spiritual practices such as fasting, Lenten walks, special meditations, pilgrimages, and participation in the Way of the Cross, reflecting on the sufferings and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The final week of Lent is observed as Holy Week and holds special significance among the faithful. It began with Palm Sunday last week, followed by Maundy Thursday on April 2 and Good Friday on April 3, during which the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was commemorated.

Good Friday is followed by Easter, which marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is considered the most important festival in Christianity. (ANI)

Actor Parineeti Chopra, who was blessed with a baby boy last year, has come up with a chat show titled ‘Mom Talks’.

On Saturday, Parineeti took to Instagram and announced the show with a captivating trailer. The promo promises intimate and heartfelt conversations on parenthood, featuring a star-studded lineup including Neha Dhupia, Vikrant Massey with Sheetal Thakur, Imran Khan, Gauahar Khan with Zaid Darbar, and Disha Parmar, all joining Parineeti to share their personal experiences and insights.

The show’s announcement has left Parineeti’s family members, friends and fans excited.

Reacting to the trailer, Parineeti’s husband and politician Raghav Chadha commented, “So proud! Congratulations. Rooting for you always.”

Actor Varun Dhawan dropped a clap emoji in the comment section.

‘Mom Talks’ is available to watch on ZEE5.

On hosting the show, Parineeti in a press note said, “Kisi ki mat suno, sabki advice lo but do the parenting of your child in your style. Nothing is wrong. Everything is right for your child. You have a doubt, please ask for advice from your doctor, from your elders, from internet. But please never feel guilty for any decision you are taking for your baby because that is right for you. So I really hope that moms feel empowered after watching our new show on ZEE5, Mom Talks and they don’t feel society pressure, family pressure, internet pressure, or anything. You do you”

In October 2025 Parineeti and Raghav announced the birth of their baby boy, Neer, via a joint Instagram post.

They posted a sweet note which read, “He’s finally here! Our baby boy. And we literally can’t remember life before! Arms full, our hearts are fuller. First we had each other; now we have everything.”

The couple signed off with “With gratitude, Parineeti & Raghav”.

Parineeti married politician Raghav in September 2023 at the Leela Palace Hotel in Udaipur, Rajasthan, in the presence of their close friends and family members. (ANI)

Bollywood couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan on Saturday stepped out in the city to take their kids to the playground.

The couple cheered happily as they watched their sons play soccer. Kareena even gave fans a peek into her “soccer duties” with a playful selfie. She shared a snapshot on her Instagram Story, featuring herself and Saif at the playground.

“Soccer duties,” Kareena captioned the post.

Kareena opted for a casual red bandhani shirt paired with blue jeans, completing her look with stylish black sunglasses. Saif was also seen sporting a casual attire.

On the professional front, Kareena Kapoor Khan is set to appear in Daayra, an investigative crime thriller directed by Meghna Gulzar. The film also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran.

The actor was last seen in ‘Crew,’ a 2024 heist comedy co-starring Tabu and Kriti Sanon. She also featured in ‘The Buckingham Murders’, a crime thriller released in September 2024, where she took on a more intense role.

Meanwhile, Saif is next slated to star in ‘Haiwaan’, directed by Priyadarshan. He also has ‘Kartavya’, and ‘Hum Hindustani’ projects in his kitty. (ANI)

A day after attending the third anniversary celebrations of NMACC in Mumbai, Bollywood couple Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani on Saturday evening delighted fans by sharing stunning pictures from a photoshoot they did at home before heading to the event.

From sharing smiles to holding each other’s hands, Sidharth and Kiara looked effortlessly charming, radiating elegance as they flaunted their ethnic ensembles.

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Kiara looked stunning in a House of Masaba pink and green saree, Sidharth looked dapper in an Anamika Khanna’s white outfit with abstract art.

However, it’s the caption that made their post more eye-catching.

“Date night,” the couple wrote.

As soon as Sidharth and Kiara posted the pictures, fans and members of the film industry flooded the comment section with adorable reactions.

“The cutesttt,” actor Tamannaah Bhatia commented.

“No nazar,” a fan wrote.

In July last year, Sidharth and Kiara became three from two as they were blessed with a baby girl. They named her Saraayah.

Announcing the birth of their daughter, the couple, via a joint post on Instagram, posted, “Our hearts are full and our world forever changed. We are blessed with a Baby Girl. KIARA & SIDHARTH.”

Sidharth and Kiara have not yet disclosed the face of their baby, Saraayah. However, the two don’t shy away from being publicly open about their love for their child.

On New Year’s Eve, Kiara shared how in 2025, her “heart expanded in ways I couldn’t imagine , a year of firsts, of learning , of becoming, of evolution and sweetest blessings.” (ANI)

A massive fire broke out at a Texwool textile company located in the Kandla Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Gujarat’s Kachchh district on Saturday evening.

The incident led to an immediate response from the fire services. The blaze erupted at a company named Tex Polymer.

According to an Official, the fire at the used-clothing facility created an atmosphere of fear among locals.

Fire brigade teams from KASEZ, the Municipal Corporation, and the DPA were rushed to the spot soon after the blaze was reported.

Firefighting operations are currently underway to bring the situation under control, the Fire Department said.

A major disaster, involving a massive conflagration and potential loss of life, was successfully averted.

The official said that four fire brigade teams brought the blaze under control by dousing it with water.

Just a short while ago, another fire had broken out at a different clothing company within the KASEZ area.

More details are awaited. (ANI)

The US Department of State revoked the lawful permanent resident (LPR) status of certain foreign nationals accused of supporting Iran’s regime, following which they were taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement following the termination of their green card status.

According to a statement issued by the State Department on Saturday, the LPR status for these individuals was revoked following an order by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, after which they were arrested by ICE agents on Friday.

The Department of State said that Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, identified as the niece of former Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Major General Qasem Soleimani, and her daughter were taken into custody by ICE agents following the termination of their green card status.

According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Afshar was an “outspoken supporter” of the Iranian regime and allegedly promoted its propaganda while residing in the United States. Authorities accused her of celebrating attacks on American military personnel and expressing support for the IRGC, which is designated as a terrorist organisation by Washington.

“Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter are now in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. As identified by both press reporting and her own social media commentary, Soleimani Afshar is an outspoken supporter of the totalitarian, terrorist regime in Iran. While living in the United States, she promoted Iranian regime propaganda, celebrated attacks against American soldiers and military facilities in the Middle East, praised the new Iranian Supreme Leader, denounced America as the “Great Satan”, and voiced her unflinching support for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, a designated terror organisation,” the statement read.

The State Department further alleged that Afshar maintained an affluent lifestyle in Los Angeles while disseminating pro-Iranian regime content on social media. Her husband has also been barred from entering the United States.

“In addition to the termination of Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter’s LPR status, Afshar’s husband has also been barred from entering the United States,” the statement added.

Qasem Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike at Baghdad International Airport in January 2020 along with five others, including Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy head of the Iran-backed Iraqi Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF).

In a separate action earlier this month, Rubio terminated the legal status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, daughter of former Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, Ali Larijani, along with her husband, Seyed Kalantar Motamedi. Both individuals are no longer in the United States and have been barred from future entry.

Ali Larijani was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Tehran last month.

The State Department expressed appreciation to the US Department of Homeland Security and ICE for their coordination in the matter, stating that the move reflects ongoing efforts to safeguard national security.

“The Trump Administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes,” Rubio stated in a post on X, announcing the termination of their LPR status.

The development comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the administration taking a stricter approach toward individuals linked to Iran’s political and military establishment amid the conflict in West Asia. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Saturday issued a stark ultimatum to Tehran, saying Iran has 48 hours to strike a deal or reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz “before all hell will rain down on them”.

Trump’s message, posted on his Truth Social platform, is a reminder of his 10-day ultimatum given to the Islamic Republic earlier to make progress toward a deal or reopen the vital shipping lane.

“Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out-48 hours before all Hell will rain down on them. Glory be to GOD! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” his post read.

Trump, on March 26, stated that he is extending the pause on strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure for an additional 10 days, until Monday, April 6, 2026, as part of the ongoing diplomatic talks between the two sides.

In a post on Truth Social, the US President claimed that the announcement comes as per a “request” from the Iranian Government and further stated that the negotiations with Tehran were “going very well”.

“As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time. Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well,” the post read.

This was a continuation of Trump’s warning to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.

He earlier instructed the US Department of War to delay any military action against Iranian power plants and energy sites for five days, citing ongoing diplomatic engagements with Tehran amid escalating tensions in West Asia, prior to which he issued a warning to Tehran, giving it 48 hours to open the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz or face potential strikes on its energy facilities.

His latest 48-hour ultimatum is a reminder of his 10-day deadline given to Tehran last month. (ANI)

Two persons have been arrested after Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was allegedly obstructed and verbally abused by a group of youths in the Wandoor area of Keralam, Election Commission officials said.

According to election authorities, strict action has been initiated in connection with the incident, and an FIR has been registered. Police said the arrests were made following a complaint lodged by Tharoor’s gunman.

The incident took place in Chellithodu, Vandoor, where a group of around five individuals allegedly blocked the MP’s movement while he was on his way to the Manalimel bus stand. Tharoor was campaigning for United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate AP Anil Kumar at the time.

Officials stated that the group not only obstructed his convoy but also verbally abused him, prompting immediate police intervention. Authorities have assured that further investigation is underway and additional action will be taken if required.

Earlier, Tharoor termed the incident “untoward” but maintained that it would not affect his campaign. “It was an untoward incident that should have never happened, but I have been travelling for 15-16 days, and this is a single incident. We have put it behind and we are moving on,” he said.

The Congress leader also confirmed that his gunman sustained minor injuries during the episode, adding that the police are handling the matter. “We are not going to change anything, we will travel everywhere we are supposed to and spread our message to the public,” he said.

Meanwhile, ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, Tharoor expressed confidence in a Congress-led UDF victory, alleging corruption and financial mismanagement under the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). “They made the Kerala model a debt model,” he said, citing concerns over fiscal performance.

The polling for the 2026 Keralam Legislative Assembly elections will be held on April 9, with the counting of votes on May 4. The tenure of the current assembly is set to conclude on May 23. (ANI)

Lights, camera, and action! The shooting for the popular web series ‘Panchayat 5’ has commenced.

On Friday, the streaming giant shared BTS pictures from the sets of the fifth season. Check out.

“6 years of being in Phulera and never wanting to leave #PanchayatOnPrime, New Season, Now Filming,” the streamer captioned the post.

Since its debut in 2020, Panchayat has steadily grown into one of India’s most beloved series, winning hearts across seasons.

The new season will continue the story of Abhishek and the people of Phulera.

According to the makers, the upcoming season will show Abhishek facing a difficult work environment under a new and vengeful leadership. While he prepares to move ahead with his dream of pursuing an MBA, he must first settle some unfinished matters in the village of Phulera.

Panchayat is produced by The Viral Fever and is directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra. The story is written by Chandan Kumar.

The series stars Jitendra Kumar in the lead role. The show also features actors like Raghubir Yadav, Neena Gupta, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Saanvika, Durgesh Kumar, Ashok Pathak and Sunita Rajwar in important roles. (ANI)