Month: April 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur, Mamata Banerjee, on Wednesday, alleged that “observers from outside” and police officers unfamiliar with Bengal were being deployed in a manner that was targeting Trinamool Congress workers during the ongoing phase two of Assembly polling.

She alleged that her party’s youth block president was arrested in the morning, prompting her visit to Chetla, while also claiming that CRPF personnel had entered a TMC councillor’s residence late at night without local police and assaulted family members.

Speaking to the reporters, CM Banerjee said, “My party and I, as Chairperson of AITC, want the voting to be peaceful so that people can exercise their franchise. However, some observers have been brought in from different places, along with police officers who do not understand Bengal. There was one officer yesterday who caused trouble across Bengal. I was awake all night. Observers are going to police stations to create pressure and target TMC, saying that all TMC agents should be arrested.”

“My youth block president was arrested in the morning. That is why I went to Chetla. I did not go to the police station; my party worker went there. Last night, around 2 am, a team of CRPF “Gunda”, sorry, not “Gunda”. CRPF force went to my Ward 70 councillor’s house without the local police and attacked his house. His wife was alone with their children. When he said he wasn’t home, the CRPF assaulted them (kicked them), snatched their phone, and warned that he should not do any party work. I can show you the proof,” she further alleged.

Meanwhile, West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 18.39 per cent until 9 am today, as polling for the remaining 142 seats across the state commenced earlier in the day.

The scale of the final phase is massive, covering nearly half of the state’s total assembly seats, 142 (out of 294).

The total electorate is around 3.21 crore (Male: 1,64,35,627 and Female: 1,57,37,418 and Third Gender: 792). 1,448 candidates are in the fray, including 220 women at 41,001 polling stations, with over 8,000 managed entirely by women.

The second phase of polling is crucial in shaping the electoral trajectory in the state, with 142 constituencies in Bengal going to vote. Authorities have put in place elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth and peaceful polling across regions.

After a record-shattering voter turnout in the first phase, West Bengal enters its second and final phase of polling today. This round is widely seen as the “litmus test” for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), as voting moves into the party’s traditional fortresses in South Bengal and Kolkata.

The result for the high-stake battle will be announced on May 4, along with other states like Tamil Nadu, Keralam, Assam and Puducherry. (ANI)

Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday cast his vote at Mitra Institute polling booth at Bhabanipur Assembly constituency.

Expressing confidence in the TMC’s victory, Abhishek Banerjee said that the BJP will be reduced to 50 seats.

The TMC MP told reporters, “They said that in 2021. You go and ask them. You said it is going to be a clean sweep for the BJP every time. But whenever the numbers have been revealed, or the electoral outcome came, it became the other way round. So, the onus is on you to go and ask the BJP leaders that every time they have predicted something, eventually it has turned in TMC’s favour. Amit Shah said they will get 200 seats in 2021, but the TMC crossed 200 seats. They said that they will get 30 seats in Bengal in the Lok Sabha, and TMC got 29 seats. This time they are saying 177, so by their track record, they will go down below 50.”

Abhishek Banerjee also accused the Poll Observers of flouting their guidelines.

He said, “Polling has just started, we should wait for another hour before drawing conclusions. Election Observers are flouting the Supreme Court and the High Court’s guidelines and the guidelines in the Election Observers handbook. They are subservient to their political masters in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. None of these tricks will work. When the ballots open, the TMC will come back with a bigger majority. We have written to the CEC; now it is for them to act.”

Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in West Bengal is a hot pot of politics, witnessing a high-voltage clash between the two heavyweights, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari.

Bhabanipur is witnessing a repeat clash between the sitting MLA and Trinamool Congress candidate Mamata Banerjee and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.

Adhikari had also challenged Mamata from Nandigram in the 2021 West Bengal polls, from where he won by 1,956 votes. Following her defeat, the TMC supremo contested the bypoll from Bhabanipur, as MLA Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay resigned from the seat.

In the 2021 polls in Bhabanipur, Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay won with a huge margin of 28,719 against the BJP candidate Rudranil Ghosh.

Earlier today, Suvendu Adhikari visited and examined a polling booth in the Bhabanipur constituency.

The second phase of the polling is widely seen as the ‘litmus test’ for the Trinamool Congress (TMC), as voting moves into the party’s traditional fortresses in South Bengal and Kolkata.

The second phase covers 142 out of 294 seats in West Bengal. The total electorate is around 3.21 crore, with 1,64,35,627 men, 1,57,37,418 women and 792 transgender voters.

1,448 candidates are in the fray, including 220 women at 41,001 polling stations, with over 8,000 managed entirely by women.

While 142 seats are up for grabs, all eyes are on the ‘Big Five’ urban contests. Apart from the high-stakes seat of Bhabanipur, Tollyganj, the heart of the Bengali film industry, is a high-profile, star-studded battle.

In the 2021 elections, the TMC dominated this specific belt, winning 123 of these 142 seats. For the BJP, this phase is about making inroads into the urban “bhadralok” vote and the Matua community. For the TMC, it is about holding the line to ensure a fourth consecutive term for Mamata Banerjee. (ANI)

The decision of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to leave OPEC and OPEC+ may not lead to an immediate fall in oil prices but is likely to increase volatility and weaken the long-term price stability provided by the cartel, according to a report by ASK Wealth Advisors.

The report said that the near-term impact on oil prices is not straightforward, and investors should avoid making simple directional assumptions.

It stated “The near-term oil price effect is not straightforward and investors should resist simple directional conclusions. In a market already shaped by post-Hormuz supply disruption, geopolitical risk premia, and shipping vulnerability, the announcement may not immediately push prices lower”

In such a scenario, the UAE’s exit could initially add to uncertainty rather than reduce prices. The report explained that any reduction in visible coordination among major producers may increase the risk premium in the short term, especially when global spare capacity is already at historically low levels due to supply disruptions linked to the Iran conflict.

However, over the medium term, the report indicated that the UAE’s exit may reduce the “cartel premium” associated with OPEC+, leading to a broader trading range for oil prices.

It added that prices may not move in a straight line downward but could become more volatile, with less certainty around price floors.

The report noted that the UAE is unlikely to flood the market with excess supply, as it would risk damaging long-term customer relationships and market stability. Instead, the country may gradually increase production closer to its capacity levels.

This could raise concerns about whether OPEC+ can maintain discipline without one of its key members and whether Saudi Arabia would have to take on a larger share of production cuts to stabilise the market.

According to the report, this shift may lead to a sustained discount on future OPEC agreements, as market participants begin to question the effectiveness and credibility of coordinated supply actions.

The United Arab Emirates announced its decision to exit the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the wider OPEC+ alliance on Tuesday.

Explaining the reasons behind the UAE’s exit, the report said the move reflects a combination of strategic, economic and geopolitical factors.

It highlighted that the UAE has significantly expanded its oil production capacity over the years and has faced constraints under the OPEC+ quota system, which limits how much it can produce.

With global energy security concerns rising and demand remaining resilient, the opportunity cost of restricting output has increased. The report noted that the UAE may be seeking to maximise the value of its low-cost reserves within a limited window of opportunity.

Geopolitical tensions have also played a role. The report pointed to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure earlier this year, which created operational challenges for the UAE while it remained part of the same organisation.

The UAE’s infrastructure, such as the Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline (ADCOP), which can handle around 1.5-1.8 million barrels per day of its 3.5 million barrels per day production capacity, provided some resilience but also highlighted the limitations of operating under production constraints during a supply crisis.

The report further noted that the UAE’s exit carries significant weight as it is OPEC’s third-largest producer and a founding member, having joined through Abu Dhabi in 1967. (ANI)

Two decades in cinema is no small milestone, and actor Kangana Ranaut chose to celebrate it by looking back at where it all began, a photograph that simply changed her life.

The BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi has completed 20 years in the entertainment industry, and to mark the occasion, Kangana took to her Instagram to share a glimpse of her very first portfolio shoot. The throwback image, captured by photographer Jatin Kampani, holds special meaning for the actor as it was the picture that helped her land her debut role in ‘Gangster.’

Sharing the memory with fans, Kangana wrote that the portfolio became the stepping stone to her journey in films. Reflecting on the beginning of her career, she posted, “Today I completed 20 years in the film industry, this is my first portfolio by @jatinkampani that landed me the role of Simran in Gangster.”

She also posted another image from her first magazine shoot, taking followers back to the early days before she became one of the industry’s most talked-about stars.

Released in 2006, ‘Gangster’ was directed by Anurag Basu and produced by Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt under Vishesh Films. The romantic thriller featured Kangana alongside Emraan Hashmi and Shiney Ahuja. The film’s music, composed by Pritam, remains popular even today.

After a strong debut, Kangana quickly built a filmography filled with varied roles. She went on to star in several movies, including ‘Fashion’ and ‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai’

In 2011, she won praise for her comic timing in ‘Tanu Weds Manu,’ where she starred opposite R. Madhavan. The success of that film was followed by one of the strongest phases of her career.

Kangana won back-to-back National Film Awards for Best Actress for ‘Queen’ and’ Tanu Weds Manu Returns,’ cementing her place as one of Hindi cinema’s leading performers.

Most recently, she was seen in her 2025 directorial venture ‘Emergency.’ (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed that Iran is in a “state of collapse” and has requested the United States to help “open” the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that the reason Iran wants Washington to open the strategic waterway is due to Tehran’s internal leadership situation, which the US President said will be resolved soon.

“Iran has just informed us that they are in a ‘State of Collapse.’ They want us to ‘Open the Hormuz Strait,’ as soon as possible as they try to figure out their leadership situation (Which I believe they will be able to do),” the post read.

The remarks come amid heightened geopolitical sensitivities surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which a significant portion of global oil shipments pass.

Earlier, Trump indicated that he is inclined to reject the most recent diplomatic overture from Tehran aimed at halting current hostilities.

According to CNN, citing sources, the Iranian proposal reportedly suggests the restoration of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, while deferring critical concerns regarding its nuclear programme to future discussions.

The US President expressed his reservations during a high-level briefing with national security aides on Monday, noting that Trump is “not likely to accept the plan,” which was formally delivered to Washington within the last few days.

Administrative officials have expressed concern that reopening the vital waterway without addressing Iranian nuclear enrichment or its “stockpile of near-bomb-grade uranium” would effectively eliminate a significant source of American diplomatic pressure, CNN reports, citing sources familiar with the situation.

However, maintaining the blockade poses its own risks, as the continued closure of the strait is expected to sustain the inflated energy prices that have led to a sharp rise in American fuel costs. Following the conclusion of the Monday meeting, the next phase of the administration’s strategy remained uncertain.

Meanwhile, the White House has confirmed that a fresh proposal from Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict and reopening the strategically vital Strait is being discussed by the US President and his national security team.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the proposal has been taken up at the highest level.

“I can confirm the president has met with his national security team this morning – the meeting may be ongoing, maybe not… The proposal was being discussed… I wouldn’t say they are considering it. I would just say that there was a discussion this morning that I don’t want to get ahead of and you’ll hear directly from the president, I am sure, on this topic very soon,” she said, during a press briefing. (ANI)

In response to the authorisation for the lethal removal of eighty hippopotamuses in Colombia’s Magdalena River basin, Anant Mukesh Ambani, Reliance Industries Limited Executive Director and Vantara founder, Anant Ambani, has formally asked the Government of Colombia to stay their decision and consider a humane alternative.

Anant Ambani has suggested a safe, scientifically led translocation that would bring the 80 animals to a permanent home at Vantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

The appeal, made in a letter addressed to Irene Velez Torres, Colombia’s Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, offers a fully resourced humane alternative under the direction and approval of Colombian authorities at every stage, as per a press release.

It also reflects Ambani’s longstanding commitment to animal welfare and conservation, for which he became the youngest ever and first Asian recipient of the Global Humane Award, a prestigious recognition honouring transformative global impact for animals and people.

“These eighty hippos did not choose where they were born, nor did they create the circumstances they now face,” said Anant Ambani, further adding, “They are living, sentient beings, and if we have the ability to save them through a safe and humane solution, we have a responsibility to try.”

Vantara has offered Colombian authorities a comprehensive proposal comprising veterinary leadership, capture and transport expertise, biosecurity protocols, a purpose-designed naturalistic setting in Gujarat developed to mirror critical features of the hippos’ current environment, and lifelong care for all 80 individuals.

“Compassion and public safety are not opposing forces. With sound science and careful planning, it may be possible to protect riverine communities, preserve ecosystems and save animal life. Vantara has the expertise, infrastructure and resolve to support this effort,

entirely on Colombia’s terms,” Ambani explained.

Vantara has formally requested that the lethal measure be deferred while this alternative is properly assessed, and has confirmed its readiness to engage directly with Colombian authorities to present a detailed scientific, operational and welfare proposal.

The proposal reflects Vantara’s founding philosophy that every life matters and underscores India’s emerging role in delivering science-led, large-scale solutions to complex global wildlife challenges.

Any implementation would be undertaken only after obtaining the necessary approvals from the Colombian and Indian governments, along with applicable clearances from relevant international authorities. (ANI)

Actor Anupam Kher has once again captured public attention, this time not for a film performance but for a powerful message on fitness, discipline and mental well-being, as he shared an intense workout video on social media.

The veteran actor posted an Instagram reel on Tuesday, offering a glimpse of his rigorous gym session while underlining the importance of accountability and consistency in personal growth.

In the video, Kher is seen going through a demanding workout routine, showcasing both physical strength and endurance as part of his regular fitness regimen.

Sharing his thoughts alongside the video, the actor said that exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining not just physical health but also mental clarity and emotional balance.

“Working out doesn’t just strengthen my body, it centres my mind,” Kher wrote, adding, “It gives me a sense of peace, a sharper focus, and a quiet discipline that stays with me long after the session is over.”

Kher further explained that sharing such moments publicly is a deliberate strategy. By “making a promise in front of the world,” the actor noted, he holds himself accountable, ensuring consistency even on days when motivation wanes.

The reel, which is set to a powerful rendition of the Shiv Tandav Stotram by singer Shankar Mahadevan, quickly garnered attention online, resonating with fans who appreciated the blend of spirituality, energy and fitness motivation.

Fans flocked to the comments section to praise Anupam Kher for the fitness inspiration.

Actor Vindu Dara Singh also reacted to the post, commenting, “Keep rocking paaji.”

On the work front, Anupam Kher continues to remain active in both films and other creative projects. He will next be seen in ‘Khosla Ka Ghosla 2’, the sequel to the much-loved 2006 film directed by Dibakar Banerjee. The original film remains a cult favourite for its relatable storytelling, humour and strong ensemble performances.

In addition to this, Kher also has several other projects in the pipeline, including the upcoming film ‘Fauzi’, which stars actor Prabhas in a key role. (ANI)

Actor Ananya Panday is a proud “mommy” of her three pet dogs.

On Tuesday, Ananya took to Instagram and shared several adorable pictures with her furry ones.

“Mommy of three only kisses and cuddles and sleeepy babies accepted,” she captioned the post.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Ananya is gearing up for the release of her new film titled ‘Chand Mera Dil’, co-starring Lakshya.

Backed by Dharma Productions, the film is directed by Vivek Soni. The teaser of the film opens with the love-filled moments between Lakshya and Ananya.

They were seen spending quality time with each other. With the tagline “Pyaar mein thoda paagal hona hi padta hai,” the film hints at a love that’s deep, raw, and unapologetically intense.

The love story soon hints at the emotional breakdown, signalling that love isn’t enough to carry them through the entire relationship, as the romance grows heavier and more complicated over time.

‘Chand Mera Dil’ is set to release in theatres on May 22. (ANI)

The Patiala House Court has found a prima facie case of money laundering against Bilquies Shah, wife of Shabir Ahmad Shah, and ordered framing of charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), holding that the material on record raises a grave suspicion of her involvement.

The order was passed on April 24, 2026, by Additional Sessions Judge Shefali Barnala Tandon at Patiala House Courts in proceedings initiated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with alleged hawala transactions linked to terror funding.

Representing the ED, Special Public Prosecutor Advocate Naveen Kumar Matta, assisted by Advocate Faizan Khan, argued that the evidence collected during the investigation clearly discloses the accused’s role in handling proceeds of crime.

According to the ED, co-accused Mohd. Aslam Wani acted as a courier of hawala funds, receiving money in Delhi and delivering it to Shabir Ahmad Shah and, on several occasions, to Bilquies Shah.

The agency has alleged that a total of Rs 2.08 crore was transferred between 2004 and 2005 and constitutes proceeds of crime under the PMLA.

The prosecution further claimed that the funds were utilised for personal expenses, acquisition of immovable properties, and maintaining a lifestyle disproportionate to known sources of income. Certain properties in Srinagar were alleged to have been acquired through benami transactions, masking the illicit origin of funds.

The court observed that despite being a government doctor with a limited salary, Bilquies Shah was unable to satisfactorily explain financial transactions, property acquisitions, and loan repayments, which adds to the suspicion regarding the source of funds.

Reiterating the settled legal position, the court noted that at the stage of framing a charge, it is only required to assess whether sufficient grounds exist to proceed and not to conclusively determine guilt. It held that the material placed on record, including statements recorded under Section 50 of the PMLA and documentary evidence, meets this threshold.

Accordingly, the court concluded that a prima facie case is made out and directed that charges be framed against Bilquies Shah for offences under Sections 3 and 4 of the PMLA. (ANI)

The Himachal Pradesh government has issued a notification imposing check post operation and infrastructure fees on vehicles transporting minor minerals into the state, in a move aimed at preventing illegal mining, transportation, and storage.

The notification, issued by the Department of Industries, states that the decision has been taken under Rule 80(1) of the Himachal Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) and Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage Rules, 2015, along with other enabling provisions under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

As per the order, vehicles carrying minerals from other states and entering Himachal Pradesh will be subject to a fee structure at designated check posts. Tractor trolleys and other small carriers will be charged Rs 1,000, single axle vehicles Rs 1,500, and multi-axle vehicles Rs 3,000.

The notification specifies that the fee will be levied for check post operations and infrastructure used for monitoring such vehicles to ensure compliance and curb illegal activities related to mineral transport.

It further states that a confirmation receipt will be issued by the department to vehicle owners or drivers carrying minor minerals upon entry into the state.

The order has been issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) R.D. Nazeem by order of the Governor of Himachal Pradesh, and will come into effect immediately.

Copies of the notification have been circulated to all Administrative Secretaries, the Director of Industries, Deputy Commissioners, State Geologists, Mining Officers, and other concerned authorities for information and necessary action, with directions for publication in the official gazette.

A day earlier, the Shimla Police had intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking, registering 111 cases under the NDPS Act and arresting 35 repeat offenders so far this year, Additional SP (Headquarters) Abhishek said while addressing the media in Shimla on Monday. (ANI)