Month: April 2026

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)

The death toll has increased to 23, while a total of 13 people remain injured in the Sakti Power Plant blast, officials said on Saturday.

An FIR has already been registered against the management of Vedanta Power Plant and other responsible persons following a boiler blast that claimed 20 lives and left several others injured, Sakti Superintendent of Police (SP) Prafull Thakur said on Thursday.

SP Thakur said that 15 injured persons are currently undergoing treatment in different hospitals.

He added that a preliminary investigation has indicated the possibility of a criminal offence in the incident.”The recent accident at the Vedanta Power Plant has claimed approximately 20 lives, with 15 remaining in various hospitals for treatment. Our preliminary investigation has clearly revealed the involvement of a criminal offence,” he said while speaking to reporters.

He further confirmed that legal action has been initiated and an investigation is underway.

On the Sakti power plant boiler blast, earlier, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also said that orders have been given for an investigation.

Meanwhile, Vedanta Power Limited on Wednesday announced compensation of Rs 35 lakh and employment support for the families of those killed in the boiler blast.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased in the boiler blast in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district.

The Prime Minister has also announced that the injured will be provided Rs 50,000 from the PM National Relief Fund. (ANI)

Shillong Lajong hit six past Aizawl FC for a crushing 6-1 victory in Match 42 of the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Saturday.

According to a release, Tremiki Lamurong scored a brace for the home side, while Phrangki Buam, Everbrightson Sana, Gladdy Kharbuli and Lamlallian Vaiphei scored the other goals. Lalhriatpuia scored the consolation goal for Aizawl.

Shillong Lajong moved into second place in the table, temporarily, with 17 points from nine matches. Meanwhile, Aizawl, with the defeat, have slipped to seventh, which has confirmed their place in the relegation phase.

Shillong Lajong head coach Birendra Thapa made just one change to his starting XI, with Gladdy Kharbuli coming into midfield in place of Abelson Jachi. Meanwhile, R. Lalruatfela made three changes to the Aizawl lineup, bringing in Lalawmpuia Sailo, Malsawmzuala Tlangte, and Lalhriatpuia in place of Zomuansanga, Vanlalawmpuia, and Vincent Lalduhawmna.

Aizawl dominated the opening 15 minutes with quick, incisive passing that kept the Lajong defence on the back foot. They created several chances but lacked the finishing touch, with goalkeeper Ranit Sarkar producing key saves while the defenders put their bodies on the line to block efforts on goal.

The home side gradually grew into the game and took the lead in the 26th minute. Left-back Saveme Tariang delivered a curling cross towards the back post, and goalkeeper Lalhruaitluanga hesitated to come out and claim it. Phrangki Buam timed his run perfectly and made the most of the opportunity, slotting the ball into the net beneath the goalkeeper’s hands.

Aizawl responded well after going behind, applying pressure on their opponents, earning a barrage of corner kicks. Luis Rodriguez should have found the equaliser from one such corner kick, but the Colombian sent his header above the crossbar from six yards.

The home side doubled their lead just before half-time, capitalising on another error from the goalkeeper. Lalhruaitluanga rushed out of his box to deal with a long ball from defence, but the bounce deceived him, and the ball sailed over his head. Everbrightson Sana got to the loose ball and had the simplest of tasks of rolling it into an open net to make it 2-0.

Shillong Lajong began the second half on the front foot, earning four consecutive corners but failing to convert any, as the Aizawl defence stood firm each time. Within five minutes of the restart, however, Aizawl struck at the other end to pull a goal back.

Gladdy Kharbuli failed to clear the ball at the edge of the box, allowing Aizawl midfielder Vanlalhriatzuala to drive forward and deliver an inviting cross into a dangerous area. Lalhriatpuia made a clever run into the box and guided his header into the back of the net.

The home side were awarded a penalty just after the hour mark when Laldanmawia brought down Phrangki Buam inside the box to halt a quick counter-attack. Lamlallian stepped up and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to score his side’s third goal of the match.

Lajong added a fourth just a couple of minutes later, once again capitalising on a defensive lapse from Aizawl. Luis Rodriguez failed to clear the ball out of danger, and Saveme Tariang intercepted it high up the pitch. The left-back then slipped a pass into the path of Ephraim Lalremtluanga, who struck a powerful low effort on target, with Gladdy Kharbuli applying a clever touch in front of the goalkeeper to guide it into the net.

The Red Dragons took complete control from that point and capitalised on yet another goalkeeping error to add a fifth goal three minutes from time. Lalhruaitluanga ventured well out of his area to deal with a loose ball, but substitute Jakob Vanlalhimpuia closed him down quickly and won possession. The ball fell kindly to fellow substitute Tremiki Lamurong, who showed composure to finish into an empty net.

The home side still had time to add one more in stoppage time to cap off a dominant performance. Jakob Vanlalhimpuia and Tremiki Lamurong combined once again, with Jakob sliding a precise pass to Tremiki at the edge of the box. The forward unleashed a powerful strike beyond the helpless goalkeeper to complete his brace. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday slammed the opposition parties for defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha to tweak women’s reservation and apologised to the “mothers and sisters” in the country saying “Women’s Power Bill could not pass in Parliament”.

In Address to the Nation, PM Modi said crores of women across the country had their eyes on Parliament yesterday and noted that while naiton’s interest in paramount for BJP-led NDA, for some people self-interest becomes everything.

“Today I’m here to discuss an important issue, especially for the women of this country. Every citizen of this country is witnessing how women’s progress has stalled… Despite our best efforts, we haven’t succeeded. Amendments could not be made in the Nari Shakti Adhiniyam. And I apologise to all the mothers and sisters in the nation for this,” he said.

“For us, the nation’s interest is paramount. But when for some people party interest becomes everything, when party interest overshadows the nation’s interest, then women’s power, the nation’s interest… has to bear the consequences. This is exactly what has happened this time too,” he added.

He alleged that the “self-serving politics of parties like Congress, DMK, TMC, and the Samajwadi Party” has come at the expense of the nation’s women.

PM Modi said woman forgets everything, but never forgets her insult.

“Yesterday, crores of women across the country had their eyes on Parliament. It was deeply painful to see that when this proposal in the interest of women was defeated, parties like Congress, DMK, SP, and TMC were applauding. By taking away women’s rights, they were thumping their desks. Those were not just thumps on the desk, they were blows to the dignity and self-respect of women,” he said.

Opposition parties in Lok Sabha voted against the Constitution Amendment Bill on Friday.

The Lok Sabha took up Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-first Amendment) Bill, Delimitation Bill, and 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 Constitution Amendment Bill defeated, the government later said it did not want to pursue the two other linked bills.

The bills aimed to take the strength of 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 proportionate increase in seats for all states.

Opposition parties said that they are strongly in favour of women’s reservation but were against the Delimitation Bill. They called upon the government to implement the women’s reservation in the existing strength of Lok Sabha. (ANI)

India on Saturday lodged a protest with the Iran’s Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Fathali over the incident of firing on an Indian vessel in Strait of Hormuz.

The Iranian envoy was called to the Ministry of External Affairs over the incident.

Earlier, merchant vessel tracking website reported, citing two audio recordings, that “two Indian vessels were forced back west out of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran’s Sepah (IRGC) Navy” and “firing was involved”.

Iran on Saturday announced that the strategic Strait of Hormuz has reverted to its “previous state” of strict military control, as it was before the ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon, citing violations by the United States under its continued blockade of Iranian ports even as Tehran had announced reopening of the waterway.

According to Iranian state media, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), which cited the spokesperson for Iran’s Central Headquarters of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), Tehran had earlier agreed, in good faith, to allow limited and managed passage of oil tankers and commercial vessels through the strategic strait following negotiations.

However, the spokesperson stated that the United States repeatedly breached commitments and engaged in “piracy and banditry” under the pretext of enforcing a blockade over the ports of the Islamic Republic.

“Following previous agreements in negotiations, the Islamic Republic of Iran agreed in good faith to allow a limited number of oil tankers and commercial ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in a managed manner. Unfortunately, the Americans, with their repeated record of breach of promise, continue to engage in piracy and banditry under the guise of a so-called blockade,” the statement read, as quoted by IRIB.

The spokesperson further declared that control over the Strait has now been tightened, with the waterway placed under the “strict management and control” of Iran’s armed forces”.

“For this reason, control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state, and this strategic strait is under the strict management and control of the armed forces,” the statement added.

The statement further stated that the current situation would persist unless Washington ensures what Iran described as “complete freedom of movement” for Iranian vessels.

Trump, in a post on Truth Social, had said that the American naval blockade of Iranian ports will persist until a comprehensive peace agreement is finalised with Tehran, despite Iran’s move to restore access to the Strait of Hormuz.

“The naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran only until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete.” He further noted that “this process should go very quickly”, the post read.

Meanwhile, CENTCOM on Saturday shared visuals of littoral combat ship USS Canberra (LCS 30) patrolling the Arabian Sea during the US blockade.

“Since commencement of the blockade, 23 ships have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around. American forces are enforcing a maritime blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas,” it added. (ANI)

Actor Athiya Shetty marked her husband,, cricketer KL Rahul’s 34th birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post on Saturday, offering fans a rare glimpse into their personal life through a series of intimate and previously unseen photographs.

In her post, Athiya referred to Rahul as “my person” and expressed her affection with the caption, “Happy birthday my person, love you so much.”

The carousel of images traced their journey together, featuring moments from their wedding, holidays, and their new phase as parents.

Among the highlights was a tender photograph from their wedding ceremony, showing Athiya embracing Rahul.

Another black-and-white image, seemingly from a holiday, captured a quieter, candid moment between the couple.

One of the most touching slides featured Rahul’s hand placed beside their daughter’s tiny feet.

The post also included glimpses from their mehendi ceremony and concluded with an image of their matching heart-outline finger tattoos.

Athiya’s father and actor Suniel Shetty also wished his son-in-law in a hearfelt social media post.

Taking to his Instagram handle, he shared a picture with Rahul and wrote, “In a world chasing attention, you stay grounded. That says more than anything else ever could. Happy Birthday My Sun, Stay solid. Stay smiling. Always with you.”

Athiya Shetty, who has been away from the film industry for some time, tied the knot with KL Rahul on January 23, 2023, in an intimate ceremony at her father and veteran actor Suniel Shetty’s farmhouse in Khandala.

The couple announced their pregnancy in November 2024 on Instagram and welcomed their first child, a daughter named Evaarah, in March.

On Instagram, the couple later shared an adorable picture of themselves with their newborn.

“Our baby girl, our everything. Evaarah/Ivaaraa ~ Gift of God,” read the caption of their post.Athiya made her acting debut in 2015 with ‘Hero’.

Later, she appeared in films such as ‘Mubarakan’ and ‘Motichoor Chaknachoor’. (ANI)