Month: April 2026

Actress Shefali Shah recalled how Ranveer Singh lifted her up during their very first meeting, as she penned a heartfelt note praising him amid the success of ‘Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge’, calling him “pure heart.”

Ranveer Singh is currently basking in acclaim for his performance in the spy thriller, directed by Aditya Dhar, in which he plays Hamza Ali Mazari and Jaskirat Singh Rangi. Several actors and viewers have described his performance as among the best of his career.

Shefali Shah, who played Ranveer’s mother in ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’, recounted their first interaction during the dance rehearsal of ‘Galla Gudiyan’ in Mumbai. Sharing a clip from an awards function where Ranveer lifted her on stage, she wrote on Instagram, “The first time I met @ranveersingh was exactly like this. I was at the dance rehearsal of Galla Gudiyan in a studio in Bombay, all the actors were pouring in while I stood at the side, trying to be invisible, giving awkward smiles and greeting all.”

She added, “And suddenly, from behind, I get lifted off the ground by trespassing arms. I was ready to snap when I heard a super excited voice gushing, “Shefu, let’s make a kick ass film.”… it was Ranveer. This was our very first interaction. And just like that, we became a team. That’s Ranveer, and that’s why I adore him so much. He has no filters. His ability to feel emotions and express them in all honesty is absolutely childlike.”

Shefali shared that Ranveer’s energy, enthusiasm, and warmth are infectious. “His energy, enthusiasm and warmth are infectious. His passion for people, for anything he does, is infallible. Ran (I call him that out of affection), he treats you like you are important, and that’s very heartwarming. He’s 100% a team player. He knows the importance of every character, & he knows when to step back & just be a support to someone else, and that takes immense security & a deeper understanding that a film is a collaborative effort, not a certificate of individual achievements.”

Released in 2015, Zoya Akhtar’s directorial ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ features Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Ranveer Singh, Farhan Akhtar and Anushka Sharma.

“Once, after the release of DDD, he had gone to the theatres on the sly & he messaged me after to yet again compliment me on my work. And his compliments, or rather nothing about him, is contained. He’s not polite, politically correct, formal, or put on. He is absolutely genuine, someone who feels immensely and expresses it unabashedly as a person and as an actor. I’m a huge fan of Ranveer the actor. If he’s in a film or even an ad, I’ll watch it just for him. He is simply one of the finest actors there is. and consistently so. His performances are so layered, and yet he makes it seem so simple and effortless,” she wrote in the post.

Highlighting his genuineness, Shefali said, “Once, after the release of DDD, he had gone to the theatres on the sly & he messaged me after to yet again compliment me on my work. And his compliments, or rather nothing about him, is contained. He’s not polite, politically correct, formal, or put on. He is absolutely genuine, someone who feels immensely and expresses it unabashedly as a person and as an actor. I’m a huge fan of Ranveer the actor. If he’s in a film or even an ad, I’ll watch it just for him. He is simply one of the finest actors there is. and consistently so. His performances are so layered, and yet he makes it seem so simple and effortless.”

Shefali also praised his craft and mentioned different characters played by him in his films, saying, “And that’s the beauty. Not once do you see Ranveer Singh the actor or his impeccable craft. All you see is his honesty, vulnerability, and rawness. And All you see is the character. Whether it’s Bajirao, Kapil Dev, Khilji, Jaskirat, or Hamza. Ranveer is pure heart and sheer madness. And that is exactly where his magic lies.”

Talking about Ranveer Singh starrer ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, strong box office run and widespread industry acclaim have positioned the film as one of the biggest cinematic successes of 2026, with the film crossing the Rs 800 crore mark within just two weeks of its release on March 19.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, the action drama has garnered praise from audiences, politicians, and film personalities alike. The film stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role, alongside an ensemble cast including Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Rakesh Bedi. Actress Yami Gautam also appears in a cameo. (ANI)

The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, with a voice vote amid the walkout by the entire Opposition in protest.

The bill provides for 50 per cent of posts in the CAPFs to be filled by deputation in the rank of Inspector General, a minimum of 67 per cent in the rank of Additional Director General, and all posts in the ranks of Special Director General and Director General.

Replying to the debate, Union MoS Nityanand Rai said that the bill aims to strengthen the security system of the country by streamlining better coordination and implementation and boosting the efficiency and morale of the armed forces.

“The bill was placed before the House not as a legislative proposal but with the purpose of strengthening the security system of the country. The bill is an important step in the direction of resolving several inconsistencies in the service rules, cadre management, appointment-related issues, among others, to boost the efficiency and morale of the armed forces,” he said.

“The bill aims to create an umbrella structure for resolving several such anomalies and streamlining its structure for better coordination and implementation,” he added.

Addressing the concern on the Opposition, Nityanand Rai clarified, “The bill is not against the federal structure. In fact, it further strengthens the federal structure.”

The Opposition MPs flagged that the bill goes against the Supreme Court judgment in 2025, which called for “the number of posts earmarked for deputation in the cadres of the CAPFs up to the level of Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) should be progressively reduced over a period of time, say within an outer limit of two years.”

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari accused the Centre of “looting” CAPF soldiers’ rights, highlighting the government’s “hell-bent” attitude over the bill.

“The Supreme Court, after much deliberation, gave a decision which the Modi government is today trampling upon with the brute force of its majority. That soldier, that force which lays down their lives for us. They protect us at the borders, they defend Parliament, they defend the country–today the government is looting their rights. When a committee was formed on this, the personnel of the CAPF were not even given a chance to put forth their side… The opposition members walked out because when you don’t want to listen, and you’re hell-bent on doing what even the Supreme Court doesn’t want, then under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge, we have staged a walkout for that.”

Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi accused the Centre of “creating division” in the armed forces, alleging that the bill was rushed without taking the Opposition into confidence.

“The way the BJP has brought a divisive mindset into the country, in the same way, an attempt is being made to create division in the armed forces as well…. There was a discussion here, listening to everyone’s views, understanding what’s in everyone’s mind, it was necessary to win everyone’s trust, but here they have done something to discourage. And the way the bill has been brought, work is being done against the Supreme Court’s decision, so it seems that this government is acting arbitrarily. In protest against this, we have walked out today,” Chaturvedi said.

RJD MP Manoj Jha questioned the functioning of the government after the bill was passed.

“What kind of people are these? Is this the government’s way of functioning? Who is advising them? This is also a contempt of court; for this very reason, the entire opposition has walked out of the House,” he said.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh termed the passing of the bill as “unfortunate”, adding that the CAPF soldiers are watching Centre’s “dictatorship”.

“It is unfortunate that the government has brought a law to rob our soldiers, who defend 15,000 kilometres of the country’s borders, and the rights of CAPF officers. This is a 50-year fight. Committees came from Murali Manohar Joshi, P. Chidambaram, and various officers who gave this report that CAPF officers should also get promotions, but the government has passed this black law. The 11 lakh CAPF soldiers of the country are watching the government’s dictatorship and will respond when the time comes,” he said. (ANI)

Parliament on Wednesday passed key amendments to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stating that the changes aim to address delays, improve recovery outcomes and strengthen investor confidence in India’s insolvency framework.

The Rajya Sabha passed the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026, with a voice vote. It had received the Lok Sabha approval on March 30.

Replying to a discussion on the bill in the Rajya Sabha, Sitharaman said the government introduced the amendments primarily to expedite admission of insolvency cases, noting that delays at the initial stage lead to erosion in enterprise value.

“Even at the stage of admission, if there is time lost, the value of the company is getting lost,” she said, adding that there has been a growing perception that the IBC process is not delivering outcomes quickly enough.

To tackle this, the amendments seek to limit adjudication at the admission stage to verifying default, while increasing reliance on information utilities and due diligence. This is expected to significantly reduce the time taken to admit cases and start the resolution process.

The Finance Minister outlined three key pillars behind the amendments. First, faster admission of cases; second, statutory timelines for adjudicating authorities to reduce delays; and third, strengthening of the liquidation process through better creditor oversight, independence of liquidators, and removal of procedural overlaps.

Another major reform is the replacement of the underutilised fast-track insolvency process with a creditor-initiated insolvency framework.

The new system allows for out-of-court initiation and settlements, along with a debtor-in-possession model under creditor supervision. This hybrid approach is expected to combine flexibility with accountability, enabling quicker and more efficient resolutions.

The amendments also introduce an enabling framework for group insolvency and cross-border insolvency, aligning India’s insolvency regime with global best practices.

According to the government, this move will enhance investor confidence, particularly for complex cases involving multiple entities or international jurisdictions.

The bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 12, 2025, was referred to a Select Committee chaired by Baijayant Panda, which submitted its report on December 17, 2025. The committee made 11 recommendations, all of which have been accepted by the government, along with an additional suggestion from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Addressing criticism over low recoveries, Sitharaman clarified that the IBC is not a debt recovery mechanism but a framework for resolving stress and preserving value. She said recoveries should be assessed against the fair value of assets at the time of admission, not after years of delay.

“As per data, the IBC has realised 94.95 per cent of the fair value at the time of admission, and recoveries are 171.54 per cent of liquidation value,” she said.

As of December 2025, the IBC has facilitated the resolution of 1,376 companies, with total recoveries of Rs 4.11 lakh crore, and financial creditors recovering over 34 per cent of their claims.

On concerns regarding dilution of Section 29A, the Finance Minister asserted that willful defaulters and related parties remain barred from regaining control of their companies.

However, she clarified that MSME promoters may be allowed to bid, provided they offer a viable resolution plan, given the unique nature of smaller enterprises.

The amendments also reinforce the principle that while a company may be resolved, accountability for wrongdoing will continue. Once a resolution plan is approved by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), the new buyer will receive a clean slate, free from past liabilities. However, erstwhile promoters will continue to face legal action for any misconduct.

Further, the government has expanded the scope of avoidance transactions to cover a period of two years prior to insolvency admission, aimed at preventing promoters from diverting assets or delaying proceedings.

The Committee of Creditors will also be required to record reasons for selecting a resolution applicant, enhancing transparency in the process.

Sitharaman said these amendments reflect the government’s commitment to making the insolvency framework faster, more transparent, and globally aligned, while ensuring that genuine businesses are revived and errant promoters are held accountable. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed his self-enumeration today, marking the beginning of the first phase of Census 2027, relating to house listing and housing operations, the release said.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Modi said that this census is the first time data collection is being done through digital means. It also empowers the people of India to self-enumerate their household details.

PM Modi appealed to the people of India to self-enumerate their household details themselves and participate in the Census process.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote,”Completed my self-enumeration, today marks the beginning of the first phase of Census 2027, relating to house listing and housing operations. This census is the first time data collection is being done through digital means. It also empowers the people of India to self-enumerate their household details. I appeal to the people of India to self-enumerate their household details themselves and participate in the Census process.”

The first phase of Census 2027 will begin today in what will be the largest such exercise in the world and it will be conducted digitally for the first time.

It is India’s 16th Census and eighth after Independence. For the first time, the option of self-enumeration will also be available.

The reference date of Census 2027 is 00:00 hours of March 1, 2027, (for UT of Ladakh and snow-bound non-synchronous areas of UT of Jammu and Kashmir and States of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh reference date is 00:00 hours of 1st October, 2026).

Census 2027 will be conducted in two phases – Phase I-House Listing and Housing Census, popularly known as HLO, during six months from April to September, 2026, in a period of 30 days as per the convenience of the State/UT governments, along with option of self-enumeration for a 15-day period just before the 30 days period of house-to-house houselisting work. (ANI)

A survey by agency Lok Poll has projected that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) aliiance led by incumbent CM MK Stalin will retain power in Tamil Nadu securing 181-189 seats with a 40.1 per cent vote share in the forthcoming Assembly elections.

Sharing the findings on X, Lok Poll wrote: “The most wanted Tamil Nadu Survey is Out. Here’s the vote share & seat projection from our mega ground survey: DMK+ — 181-189 | 40.1%, ADMK+ — 38-42 | 29%, TVK — 8-10 | 23.9%, NTK — 00 | 4.9%, Others — 00 | 2.1%.”

The survey indicates a strong lead for DMK and its allies, while the AIADMK and its coalition are projected to win between 38 and 42 seats, capturing 29% of the vote share. Other regional players, including TVK, are estimated to secure 8-10 seats with 23.9% support. NTK and other parties are unlikely to make a significant impact, with projected vote shares of 4.9% and 2.1%, respectively.

This survey comes ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, reflecting voter sentiment across key constituencies in the state.

Meanwhile, on Wednesdayy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin, who is contesting the upcoming Assembly elections from the Kolathur constituency, held a major election campaign in Tiruchirappalli district on Wednesday, addressing a large public gathering and introducing party candidates for the nine Assembly segments in the district.

Addressing the party rally in Tiruchirappalli, Stalin drew contrasts with other states, asserting, “There are no caste clashes in Tamil Nadu, no communal riots like in BJP-ruled states, no mob violence like in Uttar Pradesh, and no continuous unrest like in Manipur. We have also thwarted the conspiracies of the BJP to create such situations here. It is because of the peaceful environment and effective governance under our rule that investments are steadily flowing into Tamil Nadu. We have released a detailed action plan and election manifesto to support this. All the announcements I have made will be fulfilled in the coming days.”

Stalin also claimed, “Tamil Nadu has no caste or communal violence like other states. We ensured peace, which is why investments are coming. We have released our plans, and all promises will be fulfilled soon.”

The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on April 23, 2026, to elect all 234 members, with counting of votes set for May 4. (ANI)

The Agriculture Ministry on Wednesday assured that the country’s agriculture sector and farmers will not be affected due to the West Asia Conflict, as the availability of seeds and fertiliser stocks is healthy for the upcoming Kharif season.

The Ministry of Agriculture said that the seed availability for the Kharif season is in surplus of 19.29 lakhs, compared to the estimated 166.46 lakh quintals.

Addressing a press briefing, Additional Secretary of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Maninder Kaur Dwivedi said, “In light of the international situation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has conducted a comprehensive review and has made preparations regarding all necessary input materials for the upcoming Kharif season… An adequate quantity of seeds is available, as confirmed through assessments conducted in coordination with the states. For this Kharif season, the total seed requirement is estimated to be 166.46 lakh quintals. We have 185.74 lakh quintals.”

Seed availability of all major crops, such as Paddy, Soybean, Groundnut, Maize and Pulses are also in a surplus position.

Maninder Kaur Dwivedi also reflected that the government has faced issue on the availability of LPG to dry out the hybrid maize seeds. However, this issue has been resolved with the coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum.

“The only minor hurdle encountered in this regard was the requirement for LPG during the past month to facilitate the drying of hybrid maize seeds; however, through coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum, adequate supplies were made available,” she said.

She also added that the government is in a comfortable position when it comes to Rabi crop seeds availability as well.

Additional Secretary Maninder Kaur Dwivedi further outlined the fertiliser requirements of the Kharif crops, which she said is 390.52 LMT. She added that around 46 per cent, 180 LMT, is available as opening stock.

“This is a fairly good amount available, as by thumb rule the opening stock is about one third of the requirement,” she added.

Speaking about Agrochemicals, Maninder Kaur Dwivedi said that over 2,5 lakh MT of Pesticides are available, which is way more than the required availability.

“The states have also been asked to encourage bio-pesticides and other sustainable methods, though we are in a comfortable position,” she said

The Ministry is also monitored for the wholesale prices for all agro commodities, which they assured will remain stable.

“By and large, Prices are within the normal range as they have been in the past few years. The prices of the top crops, tomato, onion, and potato, are in the range and are showing an improvement, with an improving trend at the wholesale level,” Maninder Kaur Dwivedi said.

The latest revision of the availability of stocks comes against the backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global transit route for crude oil and energy supplies. (ANI)

A star-studded sporting spectacle unfolded in Thane as Bollywood actor Salman Khan joined Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to inaugurate the President Cup India 2026, a national-level tennis cricket tournament.

The grand opening ceremony took place on March 31 at Dadoji Konddev Stadium.

The duo officially launched the tournament by unveiling the trophy on stage, marking the beginning of the 16-team competition. The event also saw the presence of political leaders Pratap Sarnaik and Shrikant Shinde.

Salman Khan, dressed in a brown shirt paired with black trousers, kept his look understated as he arrived at the venue. He later joined Shinde for the ceremonial moment, posing with the trophy amid loud cheers from the audience.

The President Cup aims to bring together teams from across the country, providing a platform for emerging cricket talent in the tennis ball format.

In a post shared on Instagram, Shinde emphasised the importance of such sporting initiatives, stating that they provide a valuable platform for players and help promote tennis cricket at a national level.

He also welcomed participating teams to Thane on behalf of the city’s residents, noting the enthusiastic turnout at the stadium, which was filled with sports lovers during the launch event.

The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted that the tournament would be held three times a year across different states, signalling a broader vision to expand the reach of tennis cricket in India. He also acknowledged the efforts of organisers, including Shrikant Shinde, along with their team, for successfully executing the event.

Shinde also referenced the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray and Anand Dighe in the development of the stadium, calling it a matter of pride for Thane. He added that Rs 55 crore has been allocated so far for the venue’s development.

On the film front, Salman Khan is currently gearing up for the release of his upcoming project ‘Maatrubhumi.’ Produced under Salman Khan Films and directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film features the actor in the role of an Indian Army colonel.

The film is scheduled to be released in cinemas on April 17, 2026.

In addition, Salman has confirmed his next film, an action drama to be directed by Vamshi Paidipally and produced by Dil Raju. The project will also star Nayanthara in the lead role. (ANI)

A strong box office run and widespread industry acclaim have positioned ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ as one of the biggest cinematic successes of 2026, with the film crossing the Rs 800 crore mark within just two weeks of its release on March 19.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, the action drama has garnered praise from audiences, politicians, and film personalities alike.

The film stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role, alongside an ensemble cast including Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Rakesh Bedi. Actress Yami Gautam also appears in a cameo.

Adding to the chorus of appreciation, global star Priyanka Chopra took to social media to commend the film and its cast.

Referring to Ranveer Singh as her friend, she congratulated him and the team for their work. In her post, she wrote, “Congratulations mere dost @ranveersingh… Aditya, you’re a man with a mission. Dhurandhar in every way is a revelation. Thank you all for your artistry.”

The film, a sequel to last year’s ‘Dhurandhar’, has shown remarkable performance at the box office.

According to trade analyst Taran Adarsh, the film crossed Rs 800 crore by the end of its second weekend.

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ marks Aditya Dhar’s second directorial venture after his National Award-winning debut ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’, which starred Vicky Kaushal.

The film’s music, including the track ‘Aari Aari’ composed by Shashwat Sachdev in collaboration with Bombay Rockers, has also contributed to its popularity among audiences.

Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra, who was last seen in ‘The Bluff’, is gearing up for her upcoming project ‘Varanasi,’ directed by S. S. Rajamouli, which is expected to release in 2027. (ANI)

Karachi is once again grappling with a serious water crisis after a major breakdown at the Dhabeji Pumping Station caused a critical supply line to rupture, intensifying concerns over the city’s fragile infrastructure.

The incident led to the loss of millions of gallons of water and disrupted supply across several key areas, as reported by The Express Tribune.

According to The Express Tribune, the officials stated that the disruption occurred late Sunday night when an unexpected power outage forced the shutdown of multiple pumps at the K-III Pump House and Phase-II system. The sudden halt created extreme pressure fluctuations within the pipeline network, ultimately causing the 72-inch main line to burst.

Large volumes of water were spilt into nearby areas before authorities could bring the situation under control. Emergency repair operations were launched immediately, with technical teams working continuously to fix the damaged infrastructure. However, officials expressed deep concern over recurring power failures at the Dhabeji facility, calling them a major threat to Karachi’s already overburdened water supply system. They urged K-Electric to ensure a stable power supply, warning that continued disruptions could worsen the crisis.

The breakdown has impacted several densely populated localities, including Korangi, Landhi, Malir, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, and parts of District Central. Residents in these areas are expected to face severe shortages for at least 24 to 48 hours. Authorities have advised citizens to conserve water and prepare for delays, while tanker demand is anticipated to rise sharply, as highlighted by The Express Tribune.

Sources within the Water Corporation indicated that while repair work may be completed within a day, restoring normal supply will take additional time due to the need for gradual pressure stabilisation. Partial restoration could begin at night, provided no further complications arise, as reported by The Express Tribune. (ANI)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday said that the war in the Middle East was not theirs, and they will not be drawn into the conflict. Starmer in his address said that the war will affect them, but the UK has a plan to emerge as a more secure nation.

“Impact of war will affect us, but we have a plan to emerge from it as a more secure nation. It is not our war and we will not be drawn into conflict. We want de-escalation and opening of Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

“UK has brought 35 nations around statement of intent to push for maritime security around gulf. We will host meeting of these nations. We will meet military planners to assess how strati can be made secure. This will not be easy,” he said.

Starmer further said that the real challenge was security of passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Challenge is not of insurance but of safety and security of passage. we need a united front. above all clear and calm leadership which this country is ready for. my guide is British national interest. This is causing concern… People worry… They feel it will affect their family and they worry about energy bills… It is government’s job to meet these concerns,” he said.

The address comes as amid deepening global energy turmoil linked to the ongoing war in Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is a vital chokepoint through which a significant proportion of the world’s oil supply normally flows, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued a stark message to countries struggling with jet fuel shortages, particularly targeting traditional US allies such as the United Kingdom and France.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT. You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself; the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil! President DJT.” (ANI)