Month: April 2026

Darshan Kumar, the younger brother of T-series founder Gulshan Kumar, has passed away.

The news was confirmed in a statement shared on the official Instagram page of T-series Films.

“A major loss for our family, the passing of Shri Darshan Kumar ji leaves a space that cannot be filled. The younger brother of our founder Shri Gulshan Kumar ji, he was a strength behind T-Series, someone who stood by the journey with unwavering presence over the years. He played an important role in supporting and strengthening the foundation of the company. Today, we remember him not just for what he did, but for who he was, and the place he held within the T-Series family,” the statement read.

Condolences instantly poured in the comment section, with many paying tributes.

Members of the music fraternity also condoled Darshan Kumar’s passing and wrote, “Just heard the heartbreaking news that Darshan Kumar ji, the owner of T-Series, has left us with his beautiful memories. He was truly a great man and always so helpful. He launched and supported so many singers and gave opportunities to countless talents. May Mata Rani bless his soul and give him eternal peace.Rest in peace. Om Shanti.” (ANI)

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and actor Pawan Kalyan has been receiving warm wishes and heartfelt messages from across the industry as he continues to recover after his surgery.

According to a statement by Pawan Kalyan’s Political Secretary, P Hariprasad, the Deputy CM underwent surgery on Saturday evening after health-related issues for the past few months.

Wishing for his quick recovery, actors like Allu Arjun, Ram Charan, Jr NTR, among others, shared their wishes.

Ram Charan shared a heartwarming message for his uncle and wrote, “Wishing Hon’ble Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh, @PawanKalyan Garu, a smooth and speedy recovery. Looking forward to seeing you back in action, stronger than ever.”

Wishing Hon’ble Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh, @PawanKalyan Garu, a smooth and speedy recovery.

Looking forward to seeing you back in action, stronger than ever.

— Ram Charan (@AlwaysRamCharan) April 19, 2026

‘Pushpa’ star Allu Arjun also prayed for Pawan Kalyan’s well-being and added, “Wishing Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh, @PawanKalyan garu a smooth recovery and continued good health. May you be back in full strength soon.”

Wishing Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh, @PawanKalyan garu a smooth recovery and continued good health. May you be back in full strength soon.

— Allu Arjun (@alluarjun) April 19, 2026

Jr NTR, in an X post, wished Pawan Kalyan to return to public service in good health.

“Wishing Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh, Sri @PawanKalyan garu a speedy recovery. May you return to public service soon with renewed strength and good health,” he wrote.

Wishing Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh, Sri @PawanKalyan garu a speedy recovery. May you return to public service soon with renewed strength and good health.

— Jr NTR (@tarak9999) April 19, 2026

Joining the line of greetings, Sai Dharam Tej wrote on X, “My dear Chinna Mama @PawanKalyan Get Well Soon… Along with people’s love& prayers, I send my deepest love for your speedy recovery. The surgery went very well, and I hope to see you serving the people again in no time… Take Care of your precious health.”

My dear Chinna Mama @PawanKalyan Get Well Soon.. ❤️

Along with people’s love& prayers, I send my deepest love for your speedy recovery. The surgery went very well, and I hope to see you serving the people again in no time… Take Care of your precious health

— Sai Dharam Tej (@IamSaiDharamTej) April 18, 2026

Earlier in the day, Chiranjeevi shared a health update about his brother, stating that the Deputy CM has been recovering well.

“Kalyan Babu has successfully undergone a medical procedure and is now safe, stable, and recovering well. As per the doctors, it may take about a week for him to return to his normal routine. There is no cause for concern. Thank you all for your love, concern, and prayers. Let us keep him in our thoughts and wish him strength, comfort, and a speedy recovery,” Chiranjeevi wrote.

Kalyan Babu has successfully undergone a medical procedure and is now safe, stable, and recovering well.

As per the doctors, it may take about a week for him to return to his normal routine. There is no cause for concern.

Thank you all for your love, concern, and prayers. Let…

— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) April 19, 2026

Notably, doctors have indicated that full recovery may take a long, however, he can resume his official duties after a 10-day rest. (ANI)

Actor Kajal Aggarwal is showering much love and warmth on her song, Neil, as the little one turns four.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kajal shared a carousel of pictures and videos from Neil’s themed birthday party, joined by friends and family members.

In her caption, the actor wrote, “Happiest 4th birthday, my darling sunshine Neil. May your love for adventure, space, planets, and this beautiful universe always shine bright. May your curiosity and magical imagination never fade. May you always feel the blessings of Lord Ram and Krishna, and continue to joyfully lose yourself in their beautiful stories. May you always remain their most favourite child. We love you more than all the stars in the sky.”

She also added a playful note for her son and continued, “You truly do justice to your name, my little astronaut. Reaching for the stars already and stealing our hearts along the way.”

Fans quickly rushed to the comment section and showered love for Neil, sending warm wishes.

Kajal Aggarwal shares her son, Neil, with husband Gautam Kitchlu.

Kajal and Gautam got married in Mumbai in October 2020 and welcomed their baby on April 19, 2022.

Announcing the birth of their baby, Gautam shared a post on his Instagram handle and captioned it as, “Our hearts are full and we are full of gratitude. Thank you, everyone, for your love and blessings”. (ANI)

Bollywood couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh on Sunday announced that they are expecting their second child, sharing the heartwarming news with fans through a social media post that quickly went viral.

The couple made the announcement on Instagram with an adorable picture. In the image shared by the couple, their first-born daughter, Dua Padukone Singh, can be seen holding a pregnancy test kit, adding an emotional and joyful touch that delighted fans.

In the caption, the couple kept it simple and added only evil eye emojis.

Soon after the announcement, celebrities and fans flooded social media with congratulatory messages and warm wishes. Several members of the film industry reacted to the post, expressing happiness for the couple as they prepare to welcome their second child.

Actors including Parineeti Chopra and Samantha Ruth Prabhu were among the first to respond, extending their love and best wishes. Fans also flooded social media with emotional responses, with many expressing joy over the news and calling it a “healing moment.”

Parineeti Chopra wrote, “Congratssssssss, while Ananya Panday mentioned, “Omggggg.. bigggggest love”

Kiara Advani, Armaan Malik, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Bhumi Pednekar were among several others who also congratulated the star couple.

Deepika and Ranveer welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024. The couple tied the knot on November 14, 2018, at Lake Como in Italy after dating for six years.

The duo first met on the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s romantic drama ‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela’ and later starred together in films such as ‘Bajirao Mastani’ and ‘Padmaavat’, becoming one of Bollywood’s most celebrated on-screen and off-screen couple. (ANI)

Actor Shivaleeka Oberoi and filmmaker Abhishek Pathak have welcomed their first child, a baby girl, the couple announced on Sunday through a heartfelt social media post.

Sharing the joyful news on Instagram, the couple described their newborn as “our little Goddess Laxmi” and called her arrival “a blessing in its purest form.”

Shivaleeka Oberoi shared the announcement with a caption that read, “Our little Goddess Laxmi has arrived on an auspicious day. A blessing in its purest form.”

The announcement also included a note that said, “In a moment, our hearts found a whole new meaning! With immense love and gratitude, we welcome our precious. Baby Girl! 19th April 2026. Blessed parents Shivaleeka & Abhishek.”

In December 2025, the couple announced the pregnancy news amid the Christmas festivities. “Our love story has found its sweetest verse — a tiny blessing is joining our universe,” they wrote on social media.

Shivaleeka Oberoi and Abhishek Pathak tied the knot on February 9, 2023, in Goa after dating for several years. Their wedding reception was attended by several film personalities, including the cast of Pyaar Ka Punchnama, including Kartik Aaryan, Sunny Singh, Nushrratt Bharuccha and Ishita Raj Sharma, while actor Ajay Devgn also attended the celebration.

They had a dreamy proposal in Turkey, where Abhishek Pathak popped the question to Shivaleeka Oberoi under the hot air balloons. The grand proposal video also did the rounds on social media.

On the work front, Shivaleeka is known for ‘Yeh Saali Aashiqui’ and ‘Khuda Haafiz’. Abhishek has directed films such as ‘Drishyam 2’ and ‘Ujda Chaman’. He has also produced films such as ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama’, ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2’, ‘Section 375’ and ‘Khuda Haafiz’. (ANI)

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday announced the opening of the gates of Gangotri Dham and Yamunotri Dham for devotees on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, marking the formal commencement of the Char Dham Yatra 2026.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister said the portals of both shrines were opened with full religious rituals and traditions, signalling the beginning of this year’s Char Dham pilgrimage.

“Today, on the sacred occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, the gates of Shri Gangotri and Shri Yamunotri Dham will be opened for devotees with full rites and rituals. With this, the Char Dham Yatra – 2026 is also being inaugurated,” Dhami posted.

Dhami said the state government has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure that the yatra remains safe and well-organised.

“Our government has ensured comprehensive and robust preparations to make the Char Dham Yatra safe, well-organised, and devotee-friendly,” he said.

He also extended prayers on the auspicious occasion, expressing hope for the well-being of devotees.

“I pray to Mother Ganga and Mother Yamuna that they fill all your lives with happiness, prosperity and progress,” the Chief Minister added.

Earlier, the sacred palanquin (doli) of Goddess Yamuna departed from Kharsali for Yamunotri Dham on Sunday morning as the Char Dham Yatra began today.

The palanquin of Goddess Ganga also departed from the ancient Bhairav Temple in Bhairavghati for Gangotri Dham.

The Char Dham Yatra to Kedarnath Dham, Gangotri Dham, Yamunotri Dham, and Badrinath Dham will begin today.

The portals of Kedarnath Dham, regarded as a sacred symbol of faith and devotion, will be opened for pilgrims for the 2026 Yatra on April 22 at 8:00 am.

Meanwhile, the ceremonial idol (Utsav Doli) of Lord Kedarnath will depart from its winter seat at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, following grand and traditional rituals. The temple premises have been beautifully decorated with flowers, and a large number of devotees have already started gathering.

According to the scheduled programme, on April 19, the Utsav Doli of Lord Kedarnath will leave Ukhimath and reach Phata. On April 20, it will proceed from Phata to Gaurikund, where it will halt for the night at the sacred Gaurimai Temple.

In the next phase of the journey, on April 21, the Doli will depart from Gaurikund in the morning and reach the temple treasury (Bhandar) at Kedarnath Dham. Religious rituals at the shrine will formally commence thereafter, culminating in the opening of the temple doors to devotees on April 22 at 8:00 am. (ANI)

Deendayal Port Authority has facilitated the dispatch of cryogenic LNG tanks by INOX India Limited for a mini-LNG terminal project in The Bahamas, the port authority said on Sunday.

“Kandla Port is proud to be the gateway for yet another global milestone. The dispatch of LNG tanks by INOXCVA for the mini-LNG Terminal project at The Bahamas underscores our commitment to facilitating complex, high-value cargo,” the port authority said in a post on X.

It added that the development reflects its role in “powering India’s rise in global energy infrastructure,” and extended “best wishes to INOX India Limited and all stakeholders for this remarkable achievement.”

Confirming the development, INOX India Limited said the shipment marks progress in its overseas LNG project.

“Grateful to Deendayal Port Authority for enabling the dispatch of our first batch of 1500 m³ tanks–a proud step towards our landmark LNG terminal project in the Bahamas,” the company said in a separate post.

The company further said it remains “committed to driving the energy transition with innovative cryogenic engineering.”

Earlier, on April 16, the company had termed the dispatch a key milestone for the project.

“Proud to achieve a major milestone in our landmark Bahamas LNG project… as the first batch of 1500 m³ tanks is dispatched from Kandla port for the Mini LNG Terminal under development at Nassau, Bahamas,” the company said.

It added that the project “represents the largest installation of shop-built, double-walled vacuum insulated tanks globally,” and noted that it is supplying “10 high-capacity tanks along with a regasification system to support island-based power generation.”

The company also acknowledged its team, stating, “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the entire team whose dedication and precision made this milestone possible.” (ANI)

Ahead of the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, Kashmiri activist Javed Beigh delivered a sharp condemnation of terrorism while squarely blaming Pakistan’s establishment for perpetuating violence in Jammu and Kashmir.

Beigh described the assault as a “barbaric, heinous and cowardly act” that was deeply condemned by the local population, asserting that such violence does not represent the values or aspirations of the people of Kashmir.

He described it as the “second darkest chapter” in the region’s history after the forced exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, asserting that Kashmiris across communities unequivocally rejected the violence.

Beigh argued that the Pahalgam attack, which targeted tourists after identifying their religion, exposed what he called the “terror industry” backed by Pakistan. According to him, such incidents damage Kashmir’s image and undermine its social fabric.

“Every Kashmiri condemned it. There were protests across the Valley, cutting across political and religious lines,” he said, emphasising widespread public outrage.

He further accused Pakistan’s military and intelligence establishment of sponsoring militancy in the region for decades. “For nearly 40 years, they have brought gun culture, hatred, and destruction to Kashmir,” Beigh said, claiming that thousands of lives have been lost and generations of youth deprived of opportunities.

Referring to India’s counter-terror response, Beigh praised security forces for striking militant infrastructure linked to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed during “Operation Sindoor.”

On the international stage, Beigh called for greater accountability, urging global institutions like the United Nations to act against Pakistan for alleged support of terrorism and human rights violations.

He cited incidents involving minorities and ethnic groups within Pakistan to question what he termed the global community’s “silence.”

Looking ahead, Beigh advocated decisive measures to prevent future attacks, including stronger political will and intensified efforts against terror networks.

He reiterated that Kashmiris, particularly the youth, have increasingly distanced themselves from militancy and aspire for peace and development.

“Kashmiris have rejected terrorism,” he said, appealing for national unity to restore lasting peace and enable the return of displaced communities. (ANI)

Congress leaders on Sunday staged a protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation following the defeat of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha.

Congress leader Alka Lamba was also present at the protest site.

The demonstration comes after PM Modi on Saturday addressed the nation on the 131st Constitution Amendment Bill aimed at implementing women’s reservation, which failed to pass in the Lok Sabha as the INDIA bloc refused to support the associated delimitation framework.

Speaking to ANI, Congress leader Ragini Nayak raised a question to PM Modi, asking about the integrity of the country being attacked by taking advantage of women’s reservations and using “delimitation as a weapon”.

“The biggest aim of today’s protest is why PM Modi didn’t take proactive steps on women’s reservation. Why is the Women’s Reservation Bill, which was passed in 2023, hanging on the crutches of delimitation and census? Why is it being postponed till 2034? Why is the integrity and unity of the country being attacked by taking advantage of women’s reservations and using delimitation as a weapon? PM Modi’s address to the nation was funny… it was a conspiracy against Congress…” she said.

Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda also criticised the BJP, alleging that the party’s approach reflected “anti-women intentions” and that women were being misled on the issue.

Congress MP Hooda told ANI, “The way the BJP has tried to fool women reveals their anti-women intentions… Their real intention was to impose delimitation in the name of women’s reservation… The Congress Party will not rest until women’s reservation is implemented in the country…”

Speaking during the protest, Congress MP Jebi Mather further alleged that the ruling party was attempting to build a false narrative on women’s empowerment.

“Since 2014, PM Modi has been heading the nation… many years have passed from 2014 to 2026. Women of India have been cheated… this government is not serious about women’s reservation. BJP and Narendra Modi are only trying to create a narrative that they are for women. They are not actually for women. They are against women…” she said.

On April 17, Opposition parties in the Lok Sabha voted against the Constitution Amendment Bill.

During the three-day Special Session from April 16 to April 18, multiple leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, discussed the bill. Multiple Opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, and Congress leader KC Venugopal, also participated in the discussion.

The 131st Constitution Amendment Bill to implement women’s reservation failed to pass in the Lok Sabha as the INDIA bloc refused to vote in favour of the delimitation process.

The Lok Sabha took up the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-first Amendment) Bill, the Delimitation Bill, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill together for passing. In the division that took place on the Constitution Amendment Bill following the debate on the three bills, 298 members voted in favour and 230 against.

With the Constitution Amendment Bill defeated, the government later said it did not want to pursue the two other linked bills.

The bills aimed to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to 816, with 33 per cent reservation for women. The delimitation was to be carried out based on the 2011 census. The government said there will be a proportionate increase in seats for all states. (ANI)