Month: April 2026

Mohammad Hossein Ziyaeenia, the Deputy Representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, has said that every country can play a role in facilitating an end to hostilies in West Asia.

During an interview with ANI, Ziyaeenia framed the current West Asian crisis as a struggle between “oppression” and “self-defence,” questioning the global community’s priorities in the face of rising human costs.

Responding to a question on the role of major powers, Ziyaeenia said, “In this conflict, every country can play a role. Every country can play a role, positive or negative.”

Ziyaeenia stated that countries allowing US bases on their soil are playing a “negative role,” arguing that such cooperation is ultimately detrimental to their own interests.

“So the countries that are allowing US bases in their territory are playing a negative role. It’s not for their good. So we ask every country in the world to come and to play its role to finish this crisis, to finish this oppression, because our nation is oppressed,” Ziyaeenia told ANI.

He welcomed any nation willing to help “finish this unjust war” and bring permanent peace, emphasising that the “oppressed people of Iran” are the primary victims of foreign aggression.

He said, “Everyone is worried about the price of gas, everyone is worried about the price of oil, but no one is worried about the price of the lives of the people that are getting killed in Iran…So we are welcoming every country that wants to play a role to finish this unjust war against the Islamic Republic of Iran, against the oppressed people of Iran, and to bring permanent peace for the region and to invite and ask these foreign powers to stop this, bloodshed that they have started.”

Addressing Tehran’s recent strikes on neighbouring areas hosting US personnel, Ziyaeenia rejected the label of “aggressor,” framing the actions as a fundamental right to self-defence.

“Iran is targeting the invaders on its territory,” he said, adding that the US military bases in the region are used to launch attacks against Iran. He asked, “What would be your response if your home was targeted by some bases around you?”

He argued that Iran is not attacking its neighbours, but rather the “invaders” using those territories to launch strikes against Iran.

He stated, “This is our true right to defend ourselves. Every country that was in our position, in our shoes, he or she also would you know do the same… Iran is not a country that attack its neighbours. Go and search the history of Iran. Iran and India, these two civilisations, these two nations are not invaders to others.”

He drew a parallel between the civilisations of Iran and India, noting that neither has a history of invading others.

“We were invaded by foreign powers, and we are responsible for defending our people. This is the first and the most basic right of a nation to defend itself. But according to them (the US and Israel), they say that we have this right to attack you (Iran) and you have this right to accept the oppression, but you don’t have the right to resist and stand against us.” (ANI)

Fresh rainfall in Shimla on Tuesday brought much-needed relief from rising temperatures, lifting the mood of both locals and tourists, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for rain and hailstorms in the state over the next 48 hours.

The sudden change in weather has made the hill capital a more attractive destination for visitors arriving from the plains, where temperatures have been hovering between 40°C and 45°C. Tourists from Punjab, Haryana, and other parts of northern India, along with visitors from southern regions, were seen enjoying the cool and pleasant conditions following the rain.

“Taranjeet Singh,” a tourist from Punjab, said he felt immediate relief upon arriving in Shimla. “It feels very good to be here. Back home in Mohali, the temperature is above 40 degrees, but here it is cold. It started raining as soon as we arrived, and we are really enjoying it.”

Another tourist from Punjab, Anmol, described the weather and environment as refreshing. “The climate here is very pleasant. Being in the hills of Shimla gives a sense of peace and comfort,” he said.

Gagandeep Singh, also from Punjab, said that the drop in temperature after the rain made the experience even more enjoyable.

“The weather is very good here. After the sudden rain, it feels cool. Compared to the heat back home, this is a completely different and enjoyable experience,” said Singh.

Tourists from southern India also expressed happiness over the pleasant weather.

Ritika, a tourist from Bangalore, said that the weather in Shimla was a welcome change after travelling through hot regions.

“We came via Delhi and Ambala, where it was extremely hot, around 44 degrees. As soon as we reached Shimla, it started raining. The weather is amazing, and the people here are very friendly. There is no need for AC here; it feels completely natural and refreshing,” said Ritika.

Another visitor from Bangalore, Isheen, expressed similar sentiments. “The climate here is very pleasant. After experiencing the heat in Delhi, Ambala, and Bangalore, the cool environment of Shimla feels wonderful. We are looking forward to exploring more places here.”

Kuldeep Singh, a tourist from Haryana, said the visit turned out to be rewarding. “The weather is very good after the rain. I had visited earlier with my family, but this time it feels even better. We did not even bring warm clothes, but now we are feeling cold. It is a very pleasant experience.”

With more rain and possible hailstorms predicted in the coming days, authorities expect tourist inflow to remain high as people continue to escape the intense heat in the plains and head towards the cooler hills of Himachal Pradesh. (ANI)

Former Aam Aadmi Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal on Tuesday formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva.

Speaking to reporters, Maliwal said that she has not taken the step because of any compulsion but was inspired by the works of the party. While recalling her experience of working as chief of Delhi Commission for Women and praised the support she received from the BJP.

“I did not join the BJP out of any compulsion. I have been interested in the work of the BJP for many years, and I would like to say that when I was working in the Delhi Commission for Women, I worked in a completely neutral manner. I also received a lot of support from the BJP side, so today I am very emotional. This is a very important and significant day for me. I am very grateful to God, I am very grateful to the entire BJP leadership, and I will now work wholeheartedly for Delhi,” she told reporters.

Maliwal further slammed AAP and party convenor Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of spreading mismanagement and corruption in the past 10 years. She also acknowledged the developmental work in the national capital under leadership of CM Rekha Gupta following formation of BJP government in 2025.

“For the past 10 years, we have seen how the Aam Aadmi Party government under Arvind Kejriwal ji caused a lot of mismanagement and corruption. The condition of roads was very poor, the water system was very bad, and the people of Delhi were struggling for basic facilities. In the past two years, Rekha Gupta ji’s government has tried to do a lot of work, though there is still more to be done, and everyone will work together to achieve this,” said Maliwal.

Maliwal was among the seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs who merged with the BJP on April 24. The others included Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Vikramjeet Singh Sahney, Harbhajan Singh, and Rajinder Gupta. (ANI)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has spread out its multiple teams across West Bengal ahead of the second phase of polls as part of precautionary measures to ensure a peaceful electoral process and to enable swift response to any untoward situation.

Officials said the NIA teams are present in Purba Bardhaman, South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Nadia, Howrah and Kolkata, and are actively probing cases related to the recovery of crude bombs, illegal arms and ammunition.

“The agency has intensified its presence as part of precautionary measures to ensure a peaceful electoral process. The NIA teams are stationed on the ground to enable swift response to any untoward situation that may arise before, during, or after polling,” said the officials.

They also indicated that the move is aimed at maintaining law and order and preventing any potential disruption linked to the seizure of explosives or unlawful weapons in sensitive areas.

The deployment of NIA teams comes after the anti-terror agency on April 26 took over a case related to the recovery of crude bombs in West Bengal and started its investigation considering a terror angle. The agency had registered a fresh FIR in the case after receiving an order from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

In pursuance of the MHA order, the NIA had taken over and registered a case related to the recovery of 79 crude bombs and other incriminating materials by the Kolkata police, which were being stored at a spot, thereby endangering human life and property.

The case dated April 25 was initially registered at Uttar Kashipur Police Station under the Bhangar division of Kolkata. The FIR was lodged under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, following credible inputs about the storage of crude bombs and materials used for their preparation.

Acting on the information, state police recovered 79 round-shaped objects suspected to be crude bombs, tied with jute ropes, along with other incriminating materials. These explosives were allegedly stored by unidentified individuals inside an abandoned house near a burial ground in Majherhat (Poilepara) village under Uttar Kashipur police station in South 24 Parganas district.

The MHA had assessed that the case involves a “scheduled offence” under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008.

Officials noted that the illegal storage and handling of explosives posed a serious threat to public safety and property, with the potential intent to spread fear and terror among citizens.

Considering the gravity of the offence, its possible national security implications, and the necessity to uncover a wider conspiracy, the MHA had directed the NIA to take over the probe.

In its directive issued under Section 6(5) read with Section 8 of the NIA Act, 2008, the MHA had authorised the NIA to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

The polling for the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections will take place on April 29, with counting of votes on May 4. (ANI)

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in close coordination with international and Indian intelligence agencies, has secured the return of wanted drug trafficker Mohammed Salim Dola from Turkiye, under ‘Operation Global-Hunt’.

He was taken into custody on his arrival at IGI Airport, New Delhi, early this morning by NCB.

As per the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), “Salim Dola (59 yrs from Mumbai) a subject of INTERPOL Red Notice issued at India’s request in March, 2024 was wanted for prosecution in multiple narcotics trafficking cases in India and had been absconding from Indian law enforcement agencies. Over the years Dola had established a major transnational drug trafficking syndicate spanning a number of countries in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. His two-decade long criminal antecedents include direct involvement in cases involving multiple high-value seizures of Heroin, Charas, Mephedrone, Mandrax and Methamphetamine in Maharashtra and Gujarat.”

“Dola’s role consistently emerged as that of a bulk supplier to downstream distribution networks in India. Besides, he is also wanted by ATS Gujarat and the Mumbai Police. Earlier, his son Tahil Salim Dola and other associates were arrested by Mumbai police after deportation/extradition from the UAE in 2025. This effort exemplifies close cooperation and coordinated action between the authorities in Turkiye, INTERPOL and Indian agencies,” said MHA.

Earlier today, Salim Dola was deported to Delhi Technical Airport from Istanbul. This followed an operation by the intelligence department in collaboration with international agencies. He is currently facing interrogation by intelligence agencies.

Salim Dola will be handed over to the Mumbai Police, after which he will be interrogated by various agencies.

CNN Turkiye reported that Dola, a notorious Indian drug lord wanted under an Interpol Red Notice, had been apprehended by Turkish authorities following a high-stakes raid in Istanbul.

Dola was arrested on April 25 after the Narcotics Crimes Division of the Istanbul Police Department launched a targeted operation to intercept the Indian national. Dola, who is wanted for ‘drug trafficking’, was located hiding in a residence in the Beylikduzu district.

During raids in India, authorities seized about 126 kilograms of mephedrone alongside Rs 25,22,000. The Istanbul Police Department has since completed the necessary station procedures for the high-profile detainee.

The crackdown in Turkey aligns with ongoing investigations in India, where associates captured in Mumbai’s Kurla region reportedly confessed to receiving instructions from Dola, according to CNN Turk. (ANI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday issued a stern warning against terrorism, asserting that the epicentres of terror are no longer immune to “justifiable punishment.”

Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in the Kyrgyz capital, Singh recalled the recent anniversary of the deadly terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir.

“A few days ago, on April 22, we paid tributes to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. This incident shook not just a region but entire humanity,” the Defence Minister said, highlighting the global impact of such violence.

Connecting the incident to India’s military response, Singh noted the shift in the country’s strategic approach toward cross-border threats.

“During Operation Sindoor, we demonstrated our firm resolve that terrorism epicentres are no longer immune to justifiable punishment,” he stated, underlining India’s commitment to decisive action against those who harbour and orchestrate terror.

The Minister’s remarks mark one year since the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. On April 22, 2025, the nation was left shocked when terrorists struck the tourist town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, entering a village and killing 26 civilians.

Known as a tourist spot with scenic beauty, Pahalgam was rendered in blood as Pakistan-backed terrorists killed several innocent people. In the cross-border communal attack, the assailants reportedly questioned the victims about their religion before killing them, leaving families grappling with loss even a year later.

As India mourned the loss, what followed was decisive action by the Indian armed forces in the form of Operation Sindoor. Indian armed forces struck terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

In the aftermath of the attack, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, 2025, targeting terror infrastructure across Pakistan and PoJK. According to official details, Indian armed forces destroyed nine major terror launchpads linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen, and eliminated over 100 terrorists during the operation.

What followed were drone attacks and shelling by Pakistan, which led to a four-day conflict between the two neighbouring countries. India showed formidable defence and conducted retaliatory strikes, destroying Radar installations in Lahore and Radar facilities near Gurjanwala.

Inflicted by heavy damage, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called the Indian DGMO and a ceasefire was agreed on May 10. Furthermore, Operation Mahadev was another big joint success of the Army and security forces last year, as they tracked down and eliminated three terrorists involved in the Pahalgam terror attack.

Among non-military actions following the tragedy, India terminated the Indus Waters Treaty and all bilateral trade with Pakistan. (ANI)

After AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, senior party leader Manish Sisodia has also written a letter to Justice Swarnkanta, stating that he will not be represented by any lawyer in the matter and expressing a lack of faith in getting justice.

“From my side as well, no lawyer will appear. The future of your children is in the hands of Tushar Mehta ji. In such a situation, I do not expect justice from you. I have no option left except Satyagraha,” Sisodia said in his letter, according to party sources.

The development comes after Kejriwal had earlier written a similar letter, raising concerns over the legal proceedings. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has maintained its stance on the issue, alleging bias in the process.

The letter, addressed with what Kejriwal describes as “utmost respect” to both the judge and the institution of the judiciary, states that his decision is rooted not in defiance but in conscience. He emphasises that his faith in the judiciary as an institution remains intact, even as he raises apprehensions about fairness in the present case.

The development comes shortly after the Delhi High Court dismissed Kejriwal’s plea seeking the recusal of Justice Sharma. In its ruling, the Court held that the allegations did not meet the legal threshold of a reasonable apprehension of bias and were based on conjecture rather than evidence.

The Court underscored that “the courtroom cannot become a theatre of perception,” cautioning against attempts to question judicial impartiality without substantive material. It further observed that allowing such pleas could undermine institutional credibility and set an undesirable precedent.

Rejecting the arguments, the Court clarified that a judge cannot be asked to recuse merely on the basis of perceived bias, particularly when no direct conflict of interest is established. It also noted that judicial competence is assessed by higher courts, not litigants, and that participation in professional or public events does not compromise impartiality.

In his letter, Kejriwal reiterated concerns that were earlier raised in his recusal application. He referred to what he describes as the judge’s association with certain legal organisations and raised questions about potential conflict of interest arising from her children being empanelled as counsel for the Union Government.

He further pointed to the role of the Solicitor General in assigning cases to panel lawyers and highlighted figures related to case allocations, suggesting that these factors could give rise to a perception of bias in a politically sensitive matter.

The letter also states that the language used in the High Court’s order dismissing the recusal plea has contributed to his apprehension. According to Kejriwal, the characterisation of his plea as an “attack” on the judiciary has made it difficult for him to believe that the matter can now be heard on a “clean slate.” (ANI)

Salim Dola, a close associate of mafia kingpin Dawood Ibrahim, has been brought to India. Salim Dola was deported to Delhi Technical Airport from Istanbul. This followed an operation by the intelligence department in collaboration with international agencies. Salim Dola, who is said to be the key man behind Dawood’s durg empire, is currently facing interrogation by intelligence agencies.

Salim Dola will be handed over to Mumbai Police, after which he will be interrogated by various agencies.

Earlier, CNN Turkiye reported that Dola, a notorious Indian drug lord wanted under an Interpol Red Notice, had been apprehended by Turkish authorities following a high-stakes raid in Istanbul.

Dola was arrested on April 25 after the Narcotics Crimes Division of the Istanbul Police Department launched a targeted operation to intercept the Indian national. Dola, who is wanted for ‘drug trafficking’, was located hiding in a residence in the Beylikduzu district.

Following extensive technical and physical surveillance that allowed security teams to confirm the suspect’s exact whereabouts, an operation was executed at the identified address where Dola was successfully apprehended. He was then processed for deportation to India.

The crackdown in Turkey aligns with ongoing investigations in India, where associates captured in Mumbai’s Kurla region reportedly confessed to receiving instructions from Dola, according to CNN Turk.

During those related raids in India, authorities seized 126 kilograms and 141 grams of mephedrone alongside 2,522,000 Indian rupees. The Istanbul Police Department has since completed the necessary station procedures for the high-profile detainee.

The Interpol Red Notice specifies that Dola is facing a series of charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

This Indian legislation prescribes a minimum decade-long prison sentence for significant violations and maintains rigorous criteria for bail, especially when the seizure involves commercial-grade quantities of narcotics.

Officials are now anticipated to charge him under the provisions of the NDPS Act and other acts for offences committed. (ANI)

Actor Tabu has come on board for Nagarjuna’s upcoming film, tentatively titled ‘King100.’

Taking to her Instagram handle, Tabu shared a picture of the film’s clapboard and confirmed the news. “And we begin with the #King100 #Nagarjuna @annapurnastudios,” she wrote.

The update was also shared on the official social media handle of Annapurna Studios.

“A royal welcome to you @tabutiful garu. It is an honor to have your grace on our sets! Your presence will make our milestone film #King100 even more special. Thank you for coming home again. King #NagarjunaAkkineni,” the post read.

Directed by RA Karthik, the film will feature superstar Nagarjuna in the lead role alongside Tabu. ‘King100’ is being bankrolled under Annapurna Studios.

Further details about the projects are yet to be announced.

On the work front for Tabu, the actor was last seen in Priyadarshan’s horror comedy ‘Bhooth Bangla,’ co-starring Akshay Kumar, Rajpal Yadav, Paresh Rawal, and Wamika Gabbi.

Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd, in association with Cape of Good Films, presents ‘Bhooth Bangla’.

She is also a part of Puri Jagannadh’s ‘Slum Dog 33 Temple Road’, featuring Vijay Sethupathi.

In January this year, the makers announced the film’s title along with its first look.

In July last year, Vijay Sethupathi began the shooting for the film in Hyderabad. A muhurat puja was held beforehand.

Puri Connects, the production house, took to its X handle and shared that “major talkie scenes” featuring Vijay Sethupathi and actress Samyuktha were filmed at the time, along with pictures from the sets.

Details surrounding Tabu’s character have been kept under wraps. (ANI)

Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh is set to make a return to ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’, two years after his debut appearance, with early glimpses suggesting a lively episode filled with music, dance and entertainment.

Diljit shared the update on Instagram, posting a video from the show’s studio that offered fans a sneak peek into his upcoming appearance.

In the clip, his team is seen opening a studio door and asking, “Kya lagta tha nahi lautenge?”

The camera then pans to Diljit, who says, “Kaha tha na ke ek baar Punjabi aa jayein toh chethi nahi jaate… Jimmy Fallon aa gaye oye.” The video features music from his latest track Morni.

Clips shared by the show’s official Instagram handle further tease the episode, showing Diljit teaching host Jimmy Fallon some Bhangra steps.

The duo is seen dancing together, laughing and enjoying the moment, hinting at a light-hearted and energetic segment.

Diljit also revealed via Instagram Stories that Fallon sent him a handwritten thank-you note, expressing gratitude for his return to the show.

The singer-actor first appeared on The Tonight Show in 2024, where he performed his hit tracks G.O.A.T. and Born to Shine. Introduced as the “biggest Punjabi artist on the planet,” Diljit impressed audiences with his stage presence and signature Bhangra performance in a traditional white dhoti kurta and turban.

The latest preview has sparked strong buzz on social media, with fans expressing excitement over his return to the popular late-night show.

Meanwhile, Dosanjh was last seen in Border 2, directed by Anurag Singh and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Nidhi Dutta, JP Dutta and Krishan Kumar, alongside Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan and Ahan Shetty, with Mona Singh, Anya Singh, Medha Rana and Sonam Bajwa in supporting roles.

He will next appear in Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’, set against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition.

The film, which also stars Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari Wagh and Vedang Raina and is scheduled for a theatrical release on June 12.

This marks Diljit’s second collaboration with Imtiaz Ali after the 2024 film ‘Amar Singh Chamkila.’ (ANI)