Month: April 2026

Popular Wireless Festival has been cancelled after the headliner, Kanye West, was blocked from travelling to the United Kingdom.

In an official statement, the organisers updated fans about the festival’s cancellation, as per Deadline.

They said,”As a result of the Home Office banning Ye from entering the United Kingdom, Wireless Festival has been forced to cancel. All ticket holders will receive an automatic full refund.”

Now known as Ye, West had been scheduled to headline Wireless Festival this July. However, earlier on Tuesday, the UK government barred him from entering the country due to his past antisemitic remarks. He was also denied a visa to enter Australia last year.

Sponsors including Pepsi and Diageo have pulled out of Wireless since the news broke last week but today’s Wireless statement added that “multiple stakeholders were consulted in advance of booking Ye and no concerns were highlighted at the time.”

“Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had,” added the statement.

“As Ye said today, he acknowledges that words alone are not enough, and in spite of this still hopes to be given the opportunity to begin a conversation with the Jewish community in the UK,” The statement read. (ANI)

In a significant escalation of regional hostilities, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) are intensifying their military operations against Iranian strategic assets.

In a televised address on Tuesday, Netanyahu declared that the Israeli military is “crushing the terrorist regime in Iran”, adding that the offensive is being conducted “with even greater vigour, and increasing force.”

“I tell you constantly that we are crushing the terrorist regime in Iran. But we are doing so with even greater vigor and with increasing force. Yesterday, our pilots destroyed transport planes and dozens of helicopters at an Iranian Air Force base. Today, they attacked the train tracks and bridges used by the Revolutionary Guards. They use these to transport raw materials for weapons, the weapons themselves, and the operatives who attack us, the United States, and the countries of the region, the same operatives who also oppress the Iranian people,” he said

“And this is the central point: These actions, which I approved together with the Minister of Defense, are not intended to attack the Iranian people. On the contrary, they are intended to weaken and crush the terrorist regime that has oppressed them for 47 years. This is no longer the same Iran, nor is it the same Israel. We are changing the balance of power from one end to the other,” he added.

Reinforcing these claims of strategic degradation, the Israeli Defence Forces have released new footage showcasing the targeting of Iran’s air defence systems. This dramatic release, featuring missile-borne cameras, captures the final moments before impact on military infrastructure, reflecting a concerted effort to dismantle Tehran’s layered air defence architecture.

In a social media post on X accompanying the footage, the IDF asserted, “Special Footage from Missile’s View, How the Air Force Targets the Terrorist Iranian Regime’s Air Defence Systems. In precise attacks guided by the intelligence branch of the Air Force, more than 130 air defence systems of the terrorist Iranian regime were destroyed.”

These operations are being supported by broader international coordination, as Israeli and US military briefings have underscored a shared objective to neutralise Iranian missile and radar facilities. To this end, the United States Central Command recently shared video materials showing targets being engaged during combined strikes, highlighting the systematic dismantling of these facilities as a core component of the ongoing campaign.

The physical consequences of this campaign have already begun to manifest across the country. Electricity supply was disrupted on Tuesday in parts of Karaj, Iran, after projectiles from a strike hit transmission lines, according to Al Arabiya, citing Nournews, a media outlet close to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

Simultaneously, the offensive against transport links reached central Iran, where a bridge on a key rail link was targeted. According to Al Jazeera, citing Iran’s Mehr News Agency, the attack struck the Yahya Abad railway bridge located in the city of Kashan, marking a further expansion of hostilities.

The human cost of the strike on the transport network was confirmed by local authorities in Isfahan province. Reports indicated that the Deputy Governor of Isfahan stated the “strike killed two people”, as emergency teams were deployed to the site of the wreckage.

This kinetic action followed a specific advisory issued by the Israeli defence forces earlier in the day. The Israeli military had released a warning directed at Iranian citizens, advising them “against using trains for their ‘safety’ until 9 pm local time (17:30 GMT).” The targeted disruption of the transport network underscores a period of heightened regional tensions that has now extended into both the energy and logistical sectors. (ANI)

Arsenal midfielder and ex-Wales international Aaron Ramsey has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished career.

Taking to Instagram, Ramsey said the decision was not an easy one. “This has not been an easy decision to make. After a lot of consideration, I have decided to retire from football,” he wrote.

Reflecting on his international journey, Ramsey expressed gratitude for representing Wales. “Firstly, I want to start with Wales. It has been my privilege to wear the Welsh shirt and experience so many incredible moments in it. It would not have been possible without the incredible input of all the managers I have played under and all the staff who have helped me in many ways,” he said.

He also paid a heartfelt tribute to the Welsh supporters, popularly known as the “Red Wall.” “You have been there through thick and thin! You have been there through the highs and lows, and you have been an essential and indispensable part of our success. I can’t thank you enough. We’ve been through everything together, and it’s been an honour to represent you. Diolch (thank you),” he added.

Ramsey further extended his thanks to the clubs he represented during his career. “Secondly, thank you to all the clubs I’ve been lucky enough to play for. Thank you to all the managers and staff who have helped me be able to live my dream and play at the highest level,” he concluded.

Ramsey won three FA Cups, a Serie A title and two Italian cups, a Scottish Cup with Rangers and two runners-up medals in the Europa League. (ANI)

In a striking crossover moment between Bollywood and Hollywood, Karan Johar recently met global cinema icons Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway in Tokyo, Japan, as part of the international promotional tour for ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2.’

Sharing the moment on his Instagram handle, Johar offered fans a glimpse into what can only be described as a rare convergence of cinematic and fashion legacies.

Describing the encounter as a “once in a lifetime” moment, the ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ filmmaker wrote, “This is not a caption. This is a confession. I am singularly obsessed and inspired by the unmatchable brilliance of Meryl Streep. In many ways she has been my guru in the art of acting & portraying characters across cinema!!”

He also wrote that meeting the two icons made his knees rattle.

“I have watched The Devil Wears Prada no less than 47 times. I have quoted it at dinner tables, in edit suites and in board meetings (no kidding!) So when I tell you that standing next to HER & them today, I felt the ground shift, please believe me. I tried very hard to be calm and composed but here’s a another confession – my knees were RATTLING,” he wrote.

The meeting comes at a time when anticipation is steadily building for the sequel to the 2006 cult classic, which famously explored the high-stakes world of fashion journalism.

The original film left a lasting cultural imprint, driven by Streep’s portrayal of the formidable Miranda Priestly and Hathaway’s transformation as Andy Sachs. Their reunion for the sequel has already sparked excitement amongst fans.

‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ reunites the original main cast and brings back director David Frankel and writer Aline Brosh McKenna.

The sequel also expands its ensemble with new cast members including Kenneth Branagh, Simone Ashley, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Patrick Brammall, Caleb Hearon, Helen J Shen, Pauline Chalamet, BJ Novak and Conrad Ricamora.

Additionally, Tracie Thoms and Tibor Feldman reprise their roles as Lily and Irv from the original film.

Backed by 20th Century Studios, the film is set for a theatrical release on May 1, 2026. (ANI)

Superstar Salman Khan has come out in praise of Rajpal Yadav for his three decades of contribution to the film industry, lauding his consistency and the value he brings to every performance. Khan’s remarks in support of the comedian came in the wake of a recent award show in which the host apparently takes a dig at Rajpal’s ongoing cheque bounce case.

Reportedly, the controversy arose during the Screen Awards held in Mumbai on April 5, where the conversation between journalist Saurabh Dwivedi, Zakir Khan, and Rajpal Yadav was linked to his ongoing financial case.

In the viral clip, Yadav was seen saying, “Rupya, dollar sab upar neeche ho raha hai, kuch samajh mein nahi aa raha hai (There’s a lot of up and down in rupee and dollar, I’m not understanding anything).”

“Rajpal bhai, dollar kitna bhi upar-neeche ho jaye, aapko utne hi paise lautane padenge, jitne udhar hai (Rajpal bhai, no matter how high or low the dollar goes, you’ll have to return exactly the same amount you borrowed,” Saurabh said.

However, Saurabh’s comments didn’t go well with several netizens as they found his joke in poor taste.

Amid this ongoing controversy, Salman wrote on X, “Rajpal bhai aap 30 yrs se kaam kar rahe ho aur hum sabne aapko repeat kiya hai baar baar kyunki aap apna kaam jante ho aur ek value laate ho , kaam toh aapko bohot milega aur issi dollar rate pe milega aur milte rahega . Hakikat yeh hai . Aur yeh yaad rakhna ke kabhi kabhi flow mai kuch nikal aata hai ,dena hi hai toh dimag mai rakho dil se kaam karo , dollar upar ho ya neeche kya farak padta hai dena toh India mai hi hai @rajpalofficial”

After his post, Rajpal expressed his gratitude to Salman, saying, “@BeingSalmanKhan

Bhai, mere 30 saal ke safar ko sarahne ke liye bahut-bahut shukriya. Aap hamesha ek bade bhai ki tarah raasta dikhate aaye hain. Love you, Bhai, Naman!”

Rajpal Yadav was recently granted interim bail in a Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case linked to a loan taken for his 2010 film Ata Pata Laapata. The actor had taken Rs 5 crore from businessman Madhav Gopal Agrawal, and with interest and penalties, the amount later increased to Rs 9 crore. He deposited Rs 1.5 crore and has been granted interim bail until March 18.

Following the incident, several members of the film industry have reportedly extended support to the actor during his difficult phase. According to his manager, multiple prominent figures have reached out to assist him, reflecting solidarity within the industry.

The incident has sparked a wider debate online about the boundaries of humour, especially when it touches upon personal and legal struggles. (ANI)

In a high-voltage campaign rally on Tuesday, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a blistering critique of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of presiding over a regime of “oppression” and “betrayal.”

Addressing a massive gathering in the industrial belt of Barrackpore, the senior BJP leader argued that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has systematically dismantled West Bengal’s economic potential over its three terms in power.

Speaking at a public rally in Barrackpore, Rajnath Singh took direct aim at the TMC’s famous 2021 election slogan, “Bangla nijer meyekei chay” (Bengal wants its own daughter), framing the current state of affairs as a personal breach of trust by the Chief Minister.

“Mamata Didi, I respect you. You have been the Chief Minister of West Bengal three times. What have you done? You have inflicted injustice on the people of Bengal and caused oppression. Compared to other states in India, you have left Bengal behind. TMC, during its three terms, has worsened the condition of West Bengal. Mamata Ji had given the slogan “Bangla nijer meyekei chay” (Bengal wants its own daughter). Bengal did choose its daughter three times, but the daughter betrayed Bengal,” he said.

He emphasised that while other Indian states are surging ahead, West Bengal has been “left behind”, highlighting the state’s deteriorating industrial climate. He alleged that the TMC government has actively created an environment hostile to business.

“Across the country, investment and industrial development are progressing, but one state is not moving forward in terms of investment — that state is West Bengal. This is because the TMC (Trinamool Congress) government is in power here, and its Chief Minister is not allowing investments to come in. While the rest of the country is advancing in industry, the industries that existed here are also leaving. Those who thought of investing in Bengal are unable to gather the courage to do so because of the presence of the TMC government,” said Rajnath Singh.

Following the public rally, Rajnath Singh also held a roadshow.

Earlier in the day, BJP candidate from the Kharagpur Sadar Assembly constituency Dilip Ghosh took a hit at the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), alleging that the party wins elections through intimidation and obstruction of opposition forces, while expressing confidence that voters will decisively reject it in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters, Ghosh claimed that the TMC’s influence will wane rapidly as polling approaches. “The TMC always wins elections by threatening people and stopping the opposition. They were trying to move forward in the same way, but see, after a week, the TMC will slowly disappear from the market. They won’t be seen on the streets. Not a single goon will remain outside. All the leaders will look after their homes,” he said.

Polling for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4. (ANI)

Dozens of historically significant buildings have reportedly disappeared from the urban fabric of Faisalabad in Pakistan, raising serious concerns about administrative negligence and the unchecked influence of land grabbers, reports The Express Tribune. Many of these culturally rich sites have allegedly been replaced by commercial plazas, sparking criticism from heritage advocates, says the Pakistani daily.

According to The Express Tribune, Mian Ajaz Bashir, a senior journalist and art gallery chairman, stated that several of these demolished structures were deeply tied to the subcontinent’s history, including the independence movement and visits by prominent leaders. He highlighted the loss of the Arya Samaj temple, built in 1906 by the Sanatan Dharma community in Jhang Bazaar near the Lasoori Shah shrine. Once a major religious centre attracting Hindu devotees, the site later came under the provincial Auqaf department after Partition.

Over time, however, it was allegedly demolished by private parties and replaced with a commercial building. Bashir further revealed that a British-era rest house near Karkhana Bazaar, originally constructed for farmers and travellers, was also torn down. The land has since been converted into shops, reportedly allocated to oil depot operators, raising safety concerns in the area. He added that a historically important municipal corporation building nearby was similarly demolished and is now used as a parking lot.

Another notable loss includes the Sanatan Dharma Library in Montgomery Bazaar, which was repurposed as the Muslim League House after independence. This building, too, was razed and replaced by a plaza. Bashir also alleged that the Central Cooperative Bank building, established in 1921 in Katchery Bazaar, was illegally taken over through forged ownership documents and subsequently redeveloped, as cited by The Express Tribune.

He recalled that a residence once hosting Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 1946 was also lost due to neglect. The site now houses a fast-food outlet and a private bank office. Criticising authorities, Bashir questioned the failure to enforce the Punjab Special Premises (Preservation) Act, 1982. He urged officials to review evacuee property records and take decisive action against illegal encroachments, as reported by The Express Tribune. (ANI)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey on Tuesday alleged on Tuesday that recent threats from Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, were scripted at the behest of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Speaking to ANI, Dubey claimed the remarks were a strategic “diversionary tactic” intended to shift the public focus away from illegal infiltration in West Bengal.

The controversy follows a televised warning from Asif, who claimed that any future military escalation with India could reach as far as Kolkata.

“Modi ji, after Operation Sindoor, has already said that if even one of my citizens is troubled, then we will finish off Pakistan. There should be no confusion in this,” Dubey said.

Dubey suggested a direct link between the Pakistani establishment and West Bengal’s ruling party. He argued that the TMC is using external threats to shield its domestic vulnerabilities regarding border security.

He alleged, “I think at Mamata ji’s behest, such statements would have been given by Khawaja Ahmed because Bangladeshi infiltration is a big issue and Trinamool Congress is standing on the votes of Bangladeshi infiltrators. To cover that up, they would have made a minister from Pakistan say that. If it’s investigated, it’ll be known on whose request such statements were given.”

The remarks come after Asif, speaking in Sialkot on April 4, warned that Pakistan would respond to any “future misadventures” by India and claimed that any escalation could extend to Kolkata. He also alleged that India could attempt a “false-flag operation,” though he provided no evidence to substantiate the claim.

Reacting to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s comments cautioning voters about the BJP, Dubey asserted that the BJP stands for “Bengali pride.” “I think Bengali pride and respect will only be given by the BJP. Our identity is linked to Bengal. If Syama Prasad Mukherjee was not there, the BJP would not exist,” he said.

He added that the BJP is witnessing strong grassroots support and predicted a decisive victory. “There is no tough fight; it is one-sided. To save Bengali identity, people are standing together and will uproot TMC,” he said.

Dubey also highlighted his personal and historical connection with Bengal, stating, “If Syama Prasad Mukherjee wasn’t there, we wouldn’t be here. Today is the time for those things after Syama Prasad Mukherjee; we have become weak somewhere. The people here know that and they know that Bengali pride is the priority of the Bharatiya Janata Party.”

The BJP leader also expressed confidence in the party’s electoral prospects, claiming that the contest is “one-sided” and that people across Bengal are rallying to “uproot” the TMC. He said party workers are united to “protect Bengali identity” and ensure a decisive mandate.

His remarks come amid an election campaign by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Barrackpore today, who criticised the TMC government over governance and industrial decline.

Polling for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4. (ANI)

Amid escalating tensions and direct threats from the US to target civilian infrastructure, Iran’s Deputy Sports Minister, Alireza Rahimi, has called on the nation’s athletes and artists to form “human chains” around power plants, a symbolic and physical attempt to deter potential airstrikes following a series of specific ultimatums from US President Donald President Trump.

In a video message, he invited all youth, athletes, artists, students and faculty on Tuesday at 2 PM (local Iran time) to gather near power plants. “These are our wealth and belongings”, he said in the message.

The call for human shields comes in response to President Trump’s recent “8:00 PM deadline” (Washington time, Tuesday night) for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has warned that failure to comply will result in a simultaneous, massive bombing campaign aimed at “each and every one” of Iran’s electric generating plants and bridges.

Trump stated on Monday that the goal would be to leave these facilities “burning, exploding, and never to be used again” within a four-hour window.

During a White House press briefing, Trump said, “The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night.”

Trump also gave an ultimatum to Iran to make a deal before Tuesday, 8:00 P.M ET, warning that there’ll be “no bridges, no power plants” after that.

Trump said that this is a “critical period” and Washington has given Tehran the necessary time to make a deal to put this war to an end.

“This is a critical period… They asked for an extension of seven days; I gave them 10 days… They have till tomorrow. Now we will see what happens… A lot of people are affected by this. We are giving them until tomorrow, 8 o’clock, Eastern Time. After that, they are going to have no bridges. They are going to have no power plants. Stone ages,” Trump said.

“Attacking public infrastructure is a war crime,” Rahimi stated on social media. “We will stand hand in hand to say: civilian lives are not targets.” Iranian officials at the United Nations have echoed this sentiment, arguing that the US threats constitute “incitement to terrorism” and a violation of international law regarding the protection of civilian life-support systems.

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has also voiced “deep concern” after recent projectile strikes landed near the Bushehr nuclear power plant, emphasizing that energy infrastructure should never be a military target. (ANI)

The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026, on Tuesday was published in the Gazette after receiving the President’s assent, making Amaravati the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh.

Sharing the Gazette publication on X, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced, “The capital of Andhra Pradesh is Amaravati.”

CM N Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the recognition of Amaravati as the state’s sole capital, expressing gratitude towards President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a post on X, Naidu said, ” On behalf of my people of Andhra Pradesh, I express profound gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu Ji for her gracious assent to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026, fulfilling the long-cherished dream of our capital. I thank the Union Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji for his commitment to our state and his guidance, all MPs who supported the Bill, our state leaders, and every citizen who stood with us. This is a victory for my people of Andhra Pradesh, especially my farmers of Amaravati.”

The Act amended the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, adding the phrase, “Amaravati shall be the new capital.”

After Telangana was formed as a separate state, the original Act of 2014 stated that Hyderabad shall be the common capital for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for a period not exceeding ten years, after which Hyderabad shall be the capital of Telangana, and there shall be a new capital for the successor Andhra Pradesh.

On March 28, the Andhra Pradesh Assembly passed a resolution supporting Amaravati as the single capital, paving the way for the introduction of the legislation in the Parliament.

After the Lok Sabha passed the Bill on April 1, the Upper House of the Parliament too passed it the next day, while the YSR Congress Party MPs staged a walkout.

YSRCP MP Golla Babu Rao called the legislation “a drama” and questioned the rationale behind it. Underlining the possibility of constitutional amendments, he said that the capital should be changed only if justice is being served to its people. (ANI)