Month: April 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday said that Russia would do what it can to support Iran’s interests and help efforts to restore peace in West Asia amid the crisis in the region during his meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is on a three-nation diplomatic tour.

The meeting was held in St Petersburg.

According to Iranian State media Press TV, Putin stated that Moscow remains committed to supporting Iran and other regional countries in promoting stability and peace in the region and also expressed hope that the Iranian people would overcome the ongoing difficult situation and that peace would be restored at the earliest.

“I received a message from the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei. Russia will do what it can to support the interests of Iran and other regional countries and help bring peace to West Asia as soon as possible,” Putin said, as quoted by Press TV.

“I hope Iranian people overcome this difficult period and that peace is restored,” he added.

Araghchi landed here in Russia on Monday morning, following which he said that Iran and Russia have consistently maintained close consultations on a wide range of regional and international issues.

In his remarks shared via Telegram upon his arrival, Araghchi said, “We have always had close consultations with Russia and have had ongoing bilateral consultations on a wide range of issues, especially regional issues.”

He noted that recent circumstances had created a gap in high-level meetings, which he said was now being addressed through renewed diplomatic engagement.

His visit to Russia follows recent trips to Pakistan and Oman, forming part of broader regional consultations.

Explaining the purpose of his visit, Araghchi said it was necessary to discuss recent developments related to ongoing regional tensions and align positions with Moscow.

“This opportunity was provided to consult with our Russian friends about the developments related to the war during this period and the current situation, and to review the latest situation. Naturally, the necessary coordination must also be made,” the statement read.

During the visit, Iran’s Foreign Minister is also expected to meet and hold discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. (ANI)

A construction worker died in a tragic accident while helping set up the stage for Shakira’s upcoming show in Brazil, concert organisers confirmed, according to PEOPLE.

The incident took place on Sunday during preparations for the singer’s public concert. Organisers shared a statement on Instagram and said the worker was part of the team assembling structures for the event.

According to PEOPLE magazine, the statement read, “The event organizers confirm that an accident this Sunday afternoon (April 26th) tragically claimed the life of a professional who was working on assembling the structures for the show.”

The organisers further said that the first responders gave immediate help at the spot before the fire department took the injured worker to the hospital. “First responders provided initial care at the scene, and the Fire Department was immediately called to transport the patient. Unfortunately, the professional passed away at the hospital.”

They also said support was being given to the victim’s family, the company involved and team members affected by the incident. “At this time, we are providing all support, comfort, and solidarity to the responsible company, its team, and the victim’s family.”

The state fire brigade also shared details of the accident. Officials said the worker suffered serious crushing injuries to his lower limbs while using a lifting system.

“A worker suffered crushing injuries to his lower limbs in a lifting system. Before the arrival of emergency teams, the victim had already been removed from the equipment by other employees present,” confirmed a state fire brigade.

The statement added that emergency staff began treatment immediately and rushed him to Miguel Couto Municipal Hospital, where doctors later confirmed his death.

Meanwhile, Shakira was supposed to perform in India in April, but as per the latest update from the organisers, the concert has been postponed due to “geopolitical situation and regional tensions.”

Shakira’s performance was scheduled in Mumbai at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse on April 10 and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on April 15. (ANI)

The much-awaited update on Mohanlal starrer ‘Drishyam 3’ is finally here.

Fans of the thriller franchise have a reason to celebrate as the makers have announced that the film’s official teaser will be released very soon.

Actor Mohanlal on Monday took to his X account to share the big news with fans. Along with the announcement, a new poster was also unveiled. The poster shows his popular character Georgekutty holding farming tools, adding to the mystery around the film.

In his post, Mohanlal wrote, “The official teaser of Drishyam 3 arrives this Wednesday, April 29, at 5 PM IST. Stay tuned. #Drishyam3 | Worldwide Release | May 21st 2026.”

The shooting of the film began in September 2025. At the time, the makers shared pictures from a traditional pooja ceremony held before filming started. Director Jeethu Joseph, producer Antony Perumbavoor and Mohanlal were present at the launch event. In the pictures, Mohanlal was seen holding the clapperboard before joining the cast and crew for the rituals.

‘Drishyam 3’ marks the return of Mohanlal as Georgekutty, one of the most loved characters in Indian cinema. The actor has played the role since the first film was released in 2013.

The Drishyam series follows the story of Georgekutty and his family, who come under suspicion after the son of a senior police officer goes missing. The first two films received huge praise for their gripping story and unexpected twists. The first part was released in 2013, while the second part came out in 2021.

The success of Drishyam also led to its remake in several languages, including Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. In Hindi, Ajay Devgn headlined the franchise.

‘Drishyam 3’ will release in theatres worldwide on May 21. (ANI)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is all praise for the recently released Malayalam film ‘Achappa’s Album’, calling it a “beautiful tribute to the families and time.”

The film is directed by Deepti Pillay Sivan and stars Mohan Agashe alongside Addinath Kothare, Priyanka Nair, Johnny Antony, Anjana Appukuttan and Sidhanshu Sanjeev Sivan. The film was presented by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).

Shashi Tharoor called the film a “rare gem” which beautifully explores time-travel adventure and family values. The story follows a mischievous 14-year-old boy who swaps places with his father, a man who, in the present day version of his own father.

“I’ve just had the pleasure of watching “Achappa’s Album,” a rare gem that manages to be both a whimsical time-travel adventure and a deeply moving exploration of the bonds that define us. The story follows a mischievous 14-year-old boy who, after one prank too many, is given a unique “correction” by his magician grandfather. Through a touch of magic, he swaps places with the 14-year-old version of his own father, a man who, in the present day, is a strict, workaholic stranger to his son.”

Tharoor also revealed that the film was shot in his ancestral home, ‘Mundarath House’, and described it as a “surreal and proud” moment of his life.

“Directed with grace by Deepti Pillay Sivan, the film balances humour and sentiment perfectly. It never feels heavy-handed, yet it leaves you reflecting on your own family history. The cinematography is lush and nostalgic. I may be biased, but seeing parts of the film shot at my ancestral home, Mundarath House, was a surreal and proud moment.”

He continued, “The house felt like a character itself, bridging the gap between generations. It is utterly charming and often laugh-out-loud funny, but it’s those moving moments — the quiet realisations of a father’s past burdens or a son’s hidden potential –that truly stay with you.”

The Congress MP described ‘Achappa’s Album’ as a heartfelt, intimate film that celebrates family, time, and the memories we all carry.

“In an era of loud blockbusters, ‘Achappa’s Album’ reminds us that the greatest journeys don’t require a spaceship; just a little magic and a lot of empathy. If you have the chance, please watch this beautiful tribute to family, time, and the ‘albums’ of memories we all carry,” wrote Tharoor.

The film was released in theatres on April 24. (ANI)

Actor Preity Zinta recently spoke openly about fame, privacy and dealing with paparazzi during an interactive session with fans on X.

The actress shared that life is now a “balancing act” for her as she tries to stay connected with fans while also protecting her personal space.

During the session, a user asked her, “Between fame, privacy, and peace of mind… which one did you have to sacrifice the most?”

Preity replied that she does not look at her life in terms of sacrifice, but as something she has learned to handle with time.

Talking about setting “boundaries” and protecting her family, Preity said, “Nothing is a sacrifice…. I have learnt to accept things the way they are & manage expectations. Now life is a big balancing act for me because I’m a very private person. I do love interacting with my fans & not disappointing anyone by giving them pictures, but at the same time, one has to set boundaries with people & the media.”

“I don’t like it when people or media try to take photographs of my children ( that’s non-negotiable) & take pictures of me without asking cuz when anyone asks, I always say yes unless I’m in a rush to catch a plane or when I’m in a temple, the actress added.

The actress also spoke honestly about how some paparazzi behaviour can feel “scary” and “unnerving” for her.

She said she is comfortable with photographers at public events, but does not like being followed in private spaces.

“I also don’t like paparazzi following me around & jumping at me out of nowhere. Sometimes it’s scary. I know a lot of the current crop of actors invite the paparazzi to come & photograph them and I do understand their need to constantly be in the news, but it’s not how I operate, so it is a bit unnerving.”

“I’m absolutely ok with them at events ( cuz it their job) but when they show up outside my gym or hide outside my building it’s a bit too much. I’m also human & I need to stay grounded and have my downtime ! Having said that I am extremely grateful for all the opportunities I have and the fact that people love me so I’m not complaining, just being honest about how I feel,” she further said.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Preity Zinta will next be seen in ‘Lahore 1947.’ The film is expected to release in theatres on August 13, 2026, during the Independence Day week. (ANI)

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Gujarat government not to take any coercive action against land and properties held by the ashram of self-styled ‘godman’ and rape convict Asaram Bapu in Ahmedabad.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta ordered the government to maintain the status quo and said that the municipal authorities’ show-cause notice “prima facie lacked material particulars”.

Justice Mehta told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was appearing for the Gujarat government, that prima facie it appears that notices were not served to the Sant Shri Asharam Trust, which manages the ashram.

Solicitor General responded that there were several violations of the lease conditions and encroachment of government land, saying that proper notices were issued.

“You yourself have been very benevolent. First, you granted a lease for 6261 square metres, and then again, you granted a lease for more land, and now, overnight, you want the lease to go,” Justice Nath told Mehta. To this, Mehta said that more than 30 buildings have been constructed on the land without any permissions.

The bench granted the state of Gujarat three days to file its counter affidavit and listed the matter for hearing on May 5, while directing that the status quo be maintained in the interim. The land forms part of a larger 650-acre parcel being developed into a major sports hub for hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games and making it an Olympic-ready city.

The apex court was hearing an appeal against the April 17 judgment of the Gujarat High Court that had cleared the way for the state to reclaim around 45,000 square metres of land occupied by the Ashram in Motera, near the Narendra Modi Stadium. It had dismissed the Trust’s challenge to eviction notices issued by revenue authorities.

The High Court had held that the Trust violated conditions of land allotment and had encroached upon substantial areas, including portions of the Sabarmati riverbed, and rejected the petition for regularisation.

It had been observed that any such indulgence would run contrary to established legal principles governing public land. Asaram founded the ashram in 1972, and is serving life imprisonment in multiple rape cases. (ANI)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday termed the signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a “landmark” moment in bilateral relations between the two countries, highlighting its wide-ranging economic and social benefits.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said the agreement would significantly strengthen economic partnerships between the two countries, while boosting investments and improving market access for Indian exporters.

“The signing of India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement today is a landmark for our ties. The FTA will forge stronger economic partnerships, boost investments and enhance market access for our exporters,” the EAM stated in his post.

The External Affairs Minister also underlined that the agreement would go beyond traditional trade gains, creating fresh opportunities across sectors.

He noted that innovators, entrepreneurs, farmers, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as women and youth, stand to benefit from the pact.

“It will also unlock new opportunities for innovators, entrepreneurs, farmers, MSMEs, women and youth,” the post added.

India and New Zealand signed the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral economic ties on Monday.

The agreement was formally signed by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay in the presence of senior officials, business leaders, and industry stakeholders from both countries.

As part of the agreement, New Zealand has committed to investing approximately USD 20 billion in India over the next 15 years, signalling long-term confidence in India’s growth trajectory.

The agreement was formally launched on March 16, 2025, following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, and was finalised on December 22, 2025, after five rounds of negotiations completed in just nine months.

Officials said the pact is expected to boost exports, create jobs, and encourage new business partnerships, while strengthening cooperation between the two democracies across the Indo-Pacific.

Under the newly concluded FTA, India is set to gain from the immediate elimination of tariffs by New Zealand on a wide range of products. Currently, duties of around 10 per cent apply to several Indian exports such as textiles, leather goods, carpets, ceramics and auto components. Their removal is expected to significantly enhance India’s competitiveness. Agricultural exports, including tea, coffee and spices, are also likely to benefit from improved market access.

India, in turn, has offered market access on nearly 70 per cent of tariff lines, while keeping about 30 per cent excluded. Tariffs will be scrapped immediately on roughly 30 per cent of goods, with over one-third to see gradual reductions. Some products will face limited tariff cuts or fall under quota-based concessions.

Sensitive sectors such as dairy–covering milk, cheese, butter and yoghurt–have been excluded, along with certain animal products, sugar, oils, gems and jewellery, and select metals. However, items like apples, kiwifruit and manuka honey will be allowed under tariff rate quotas, enabling controlled imports alongside cooperation in technology and productivity.

In services, New Zealand has agreed to open more than 100 sectors to Indian providers, while India will liberalise a similar number for New Zealand, albeit with limited preferential treatment.

The agreement also facilitates mobility, removing caps on Indian students and offering extended post-study work opportunities in STEM fields. Additionally, up to 5,000 visas will be available at any given time for skilled Indian professionals across sectors such as IT, healthcare, education and construction. (ANI)

The car of music composer James Vasanthan was allegedly vandalised by unidentified persons in Chennai, triggering a police investigation.

The incident reportedly took place in the Kottivakkam area on April 26, when the composer had stepped out for dinner at a restaurant.

Upon returning after his meal, he discovered that his car, which had been parked outside the eatery, had its window glass shattered.

James Vasanthan later recorded a video showing the damage and shared it on social media. In his post, he stated that he was uncertain whether the act was random vandalism or a targeted attack.

“I’m not sure whether this was an act of mischief or something deliberate when I went to a restaurant for lunch this afternoon,” he wrote.

Several social media users expressed concern and extended support to the composer, urging authorities to take swift action against those responsible.

In a follow-up post, the composer thanked well-wishers who reached out to him. He also expressed gratitude to political leaders, media personnel and members of the public who contacted him over the phone.

The composer has since filed a formal complaint with the police. Authorities have launched an investigation and are expected to review CCTV footage in the vicinity to trace those involved. (ANI)

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Monday extended his support to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying that the people of Bengal will take revenge from Bharatiya Janata Party for cutting 90 lakhs votes in the state during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

Ahead of the ongoing assembly elections, Kejriwal alleged large-scale voter list manipulation in the state.

Addressing a public interaction in Kolkata, Kejriwal said, “I want to extend my best wishes to Mamata Banerjee for these elections. I congratulate the people of West Bengal for the way they are fighting against this dictatorship. In the last two days, the atmosphere I have seen in the state, it appears that the people of Bengal will take revenge for cutting 90 lakhs votes in the state.

His remarks come amid a charged political atmosphere in the state, with political parties intensifying their campaign. The campaigning for the second and final phase of the assembly elections in Bengal will end today as 142 constituencies will go to the polls in the second phase on April 29.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday expressed confidence in her party’s electoral prospects, citing overwhelming public support during recent ‘padyatras’ and ‘Janasabhas’, and asserted that the “victory of Maa-Mati-Manush” is “a matter of time.”

Sharing a post on X ahead of the second phase Assembly election, Banerjee said, “The extraordinary enthusiasm, the genuine warmth, the spontaneous emotional outpouring of ordinary people at yesterday’s padyatra and janasabhas have moved me in ways that words can only approximate. This is a bond forged over years of standing together through every challenge this land has faced. The victory of Maa-Mati-Manush is no longer a matter of prediction. It is a matter of time.”

Emphasising Bengal’s cultural and historical identity, the Chief Minister said the state has long stood as a “beacon of harmony” and civilisational pride.

“This sacred land of Bengal has, since time immemorial, stood as a beacon of harmony, culture, and civilisational pride. It has no place for divisive, destructive forces who seek to deprive Bengal of its rightful dues, tarnish its heritage, and ride their lust for power over the dignity of its people. They will receive the only response they deserve. A decisive, democratic reckoning from the vigilant and united people of Bengal,” she wrote in her X post.

West Bengal is under poll fever with polling for the second phase of elections scheduled on April 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4. The state has recorded a massive 93.2% voter turnout in the first phase of the elections, a record-breaking figure that has both the TMC and the BJP claiming a decisive lead. (ANI)

New Delhi [India], April 27 (ANI): All-rounder Krunal Pandya has reflected on Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) historic IPL 2025 title win, calling it one of the most emotional moments of his career and dedicating the triumph to fans and former skipper Virat Kohli.

The Bengaluru-based franchise secured its first-ever IPL title after 18 years, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs. Punjab fell short in their chase of 191 runs at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Speaking on JioStar’s ‘The Krunal Pandya Experience’, the all-rounder said the long-awaited trophy meant the most to Kohli and the RCB fanbase, who had stood by the franchise for years.

“The ones who deserved it the most are Virat Kohli and the RCB fans. Virat has been an integral part of RCB from the first season. So, to win it and see him get emotional was special. Watching him cry was an emotional moment for everyone,” Krunal said.

He recalled the overwhelming support from fans throughout the season and the promise made during the campaign. “The love people have for RCB is incredible. That day, I said on the mic that whatever happens, we must win the trophy for the fans,” he added.

Krunal said fulfilling that promise after 18 years of waiting made the victory even more meaningful. “I am glad I said it and that we were able to deliver in the final. The fans deserved this trophy more than anybody else, and obviously, Virat as well,” he said.

The all-rounder also reflected on his personal journey, calling the season one of the best of his career.

“Playing for the country is number one for me, but winning for RCB after 18 years and having my best season while contributing well has to be one of my top moments,” Krunal said.

The RCB All-rounder Pandya also elaborated on his journey and how he has changed as a cricketer over the years.

“I have changed over a period of time, for the better. As you go through the journey, you learn. A lot of credit goes to my parents and the upbringing they gave me. But as a human being, who I am, has remained the same. I love cricket, still as excited and passionate to play. I have always been a family man. I love my family, kids, and my wife, who has played an integral part,” the RCB all-rounder said.

Pandya was bought by the Bengaluru-based franchise for Rs 5.75 crore at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction in Jeddah. The all-rounder was then retained by RCB for the 2026 IPL season.

He played a key role as a spin-bowling all-rounder, contributing 109 runs and taking 17 wickets, including a standout performance in the final.

Pandya was also named Player of the Match for his two-wicket spell in the decisive clash against PBKS, which helped RCB clinch their first-ever IPL title.

Krunal further added, “My parents have been my pillars. When you taste success, two things can happen, either you go crazy, or it makes you humble. I have taken the second route. The more I have grown, the humbler I have become, which is why family is important for me, and cricket is in my blood, mind, everywhere.”

Meanwhile, in the ongoing 2026 season, defending champions RCB are currently placed second on the points table with 10 points, and will be looking to further strengthen their position as the tournament progresses, as they face struggling Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitely Stadium on Monday. (ANI)