Month: April 2026

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar lauded the Indian players for their blistering performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Superb contributions of Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson helped the defending champions to post a monstrous total of 255/5 in 20 overs.

Taking to the social media platform X, Tendulkar noted that Abhishek Sharma had a challenging tournament but justified the team’s faith with a blistering half-century in the summit clash.

“Not the easiest tournament for Abhishek Sharma, but the team showed belief in his ability. He has repaid that faith with a crucial knock in the final. Well played. Ishan Kishan is bringing real momentum to the innings, and Sanju Samson is continuing his reliable run,” Tendulkar wrote on X.

Coming to the match, Majestic fifties from Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and a late cameo from Shivam Dube propelled India to a massive 255/6

India posted the highest total ever in the final of a T20 World Cup. Dube slammed an unbeaten 26 off just 8 balls. He smashed James Neesham for 24 runs in the final over.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to field against India in Ahmedabad.

India’s opening duo, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, have exposed New Zealand’s lack of big-match experience in the powerplay.

After a watchful first couple of overs, India hit top gear, clobbering 24 in the fourth over as Samson-Sharma became the first opening duo to score a 50+ stand in a T20 World Cup final.

The Black Caps’ pacers, including Matt Henry, have struggled to maintain a steady line, with Henry conceding four wides in the fifth over.

This led to New Zealand bowling eight extra deliveries in the powerplay, the most they’ve ever done in T20Is. Samson and Sharma have capitalised on this, scoring 92 runs in the power play, the highest ever in a T20 World Cup match.

Abhishek Sharma blasted an 18-ball fifty, and the duo became the first opening pair to score a 50+ stand in a T20 World Cup final.

Though Sharma wasn’t in the best of form at the start of the World Cup. Sharma rose to the occasion in the final, bringing up the fastest 50 of the tournament in just 18 balls with the help of six fours and three sixes.

Rachin Ravindra provided his team with the breakthrough as he had Sharma nicked to the wicketkeeper. However, the 98-run opening stand, with Sharma contributing 52 off 21, may have well set India up for another big score.

Even after losing the wicket, India kept up the relentless pace. Samson and Ishan Kishan have put on 93 off just 41 balls for the second wicket, taking India to 191/1 in 14 overs.

Samson continued his incredible form, scoring a half-century in the T20 World Cup final, his third consecutive in the tournament. He became the third player to achieve this feat in a semi-final and final.

New Zealand’s pace-heavy attack, featuring Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry, struggled to contain India’s aggressive batting, with Ferguson conceding 48 runs in two overs.

Neesham gave a much needed break through over to New Zealand as he removed Samson, Kishan, and Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav on a golden duck in the 16th over, as India slipped from 203/2 to 204/4.

Kiwi’s pulled back the scoring rate after the 16th over. Veteran seamer Henry, in his last over, opened his wicket tally after he removed Hardik Pandya for 18 runs.

India’s crisis man delivered yet again with his big hits in the final over. India finished on 255/5, six runs short of the highest T20 WC score. (ANI)

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal has decided not to appear before the High Court in the Delhi excise policy case, expressing complete distrust in Justice Swarana Kanta, according to party sources.

In a letter to Justice Swarana Kanta, Kejriwal made it clear will not appear before her, either personally or through a lawyer. He stated that he has decided to follow the path of Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha.

“My hope of receiving justice from Justice Swarana Kanta Ji has been shattered. Therefore, I have decided to follow the path of Gandhiji’s Satyagraha. Heeding the voice of my conscience, I have made a decision,” Kejriwal said in the letter, as per AAP sources.

“I reserve the right to approach the Supreme Court to appeal against her verdict,” he added.

This comes after the Delhi High Court dismissed his plea seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta in the excise policy case. The AAP chief had alleged a perceived conflict of interest arising from the empanelment of the judge’s children as Central Government counsel and argued that this creates a reasonable apprehension of bias.

Delhi HC held that the allegations were based on conjecture and failed to meet the legal standard of a reasonable apprehension of bias.

Leading with sharp observations, the Court emphasised that “the courtroom cannot become a theatre of perception” and cautioned that even a powerful political figure cannot be permitted to cast aspersions on a sitting judge without material evidence. It held that the same standard of fairness applies when allegations are made against the judiciary and warned that entertaining such pleas would erode institutional credibility.

Justice Sharma noted that the applicants’ case was built on “insinuations and aspersions” rather than proof, and that accepting such arguments would set a dangerous precedent. The Court observed that a judge cannot be asked to recuse merely because a litigant apprehends an unfavourable outcome, stating that “justice cannot be managed through perception.”

Later, the court also directed the removal of all social media links containing the April 13 proceedings before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in the recusal plea moved by Arvind Kejriwal (ANI)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s strength in Rajya Sabha has increased to 113 after Chairman CP Radhakrishnan approved the merger of Raghav Chadha and six other MPs who quit the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Losing two-thirds of its MPs has been a big setback for the AAP, which is now reduced to a strength of three members in the Upper House of Parliament.

The trio of MPs–Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal–parted ways with the AAP on Friday and subsequently joined the BJP in the presence of party leadership.

Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Swati Maliwal had also switched to the BJP.

Meanwhile, AAP MP Sanjay Singh had officially petitioned the Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan to disqualify seven MPs.

The petition challenged the “purported merger” under paragraph 4 of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and sought the disqualification of the MPs under its paragraph 2(1)(a).

Paragraph 2 of the Tenth Schedule deals with disqualification on the ground of defection. Sub-paragraph (1) provides that, subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4 and 5, a member of a House belonging to any political party shall be disqualified from being a member of the House. Clause (a) of this sub-paragraph further specifies that such disqualification occurs if the member has voluntarily given up membership of that political party.

Singh challenged the validity of the merger, citing the requirements in the Constitution.

However, as per the Tenth Schedule, a disqualification of MPs cannot take place in case an original political party merges with another political party, given that the merger includes two-thirds of the members. The seven AAP MPs fulfilled this condition as they shook hands with the BJP.

The move has triggered furious reactions from AAP leaders, who termed it a s “betrayal” while drawing a warm welcome from the BJP. (ANI)

As regional mediation efforts intensify to resolve the West Asian conflict, reports have emerged indicating a significant breakthrough in the diplomatic stalemate between Washington and Tehran. The progress follows the facilitation of indirect communication between the two nations to secure a lasting ceasefire.

In a post on X, Kamran Khan, chairman of the media outlet ARY News, highlighted the burgeoning optimism surrounding the negotiations. “Informed sources: Encouraging signs are emerging around the indirect peace talks between the United States and Iran, with diplomatic momentum steadily building. ‘Now we are at a stage where we can see light at the end of the tunnel,’ mused a source,” he stated.

This newfound optimism in Islamabad coincides with a significant diplomatic manoeuvre aimed at de-escalating regional tensions, as Tehran has reportedly submitted a fresh proposal to the United States through Pakistani intermediaries.

According to news outlet Axios, the framework is specifically designed to facilitate “reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the conflict,” while strategically “postponing talks over Tehran’s nuclear programme until a later stage.” This reported offer surfaces shortly after US President Donald Trump indicated that Iran could contact Washington to negotiate an end to the hostilities, which were ignited on February 28 following joint Israeli and US military strikes.

Maintaining his signature approach to diplomacy, the US President addressed the possibility of renewed engagement during an interview. Speaking to Fox News’ The Sunday Briefing, Trump remarked, “If they want to talk, they can come to us, or they can call us. There is a telephone. We have nice, secure lines.” He further expressed optimism that the conflict could conclude “very soon” and observed that while some Iranian representatives were being reasonable, others were not.

The depth of this indirect communication was further detailed by Iran’s Fars News Agency, which reported that during a recent diplomatic mission by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Tehran dispatched written messages to Washington via Pakistan. These communications reportedly outlined the regional situation and defined Iran’s “red lines,” with a specific focus on “nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz.”

News outlet Axios clarified that the heart of the current proposal focuses on mitigating tensions surrounding the strategic waterway and the ongoing US naval blockade. According to the reported framework, the proposal includes provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to alleviate the global energy crisis and ending the war through either an “extended ceasefire” or a “permanent halt to hostilities.”

Crucially, the plan seeks to delay nuclear negotiations until the strategic passage is cleared and the US naval blockade on Iranian ports is removed. While news outlet Axios reports that the White House has officially received the document, it remains uncertain whether the Trump administration will entertain the offer.

Addressing the leak, White House spokesperson Olivia Wales informed news outlet Axios that the administration would not engage in discussions regarding such “sensitive diplomatic” matters via the media.

She reiterated the administration’s firm stance, stating, “As the president has said, the United States holds the cards and will only make a deal that puts the American people first, never allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”

These latest developments follow a period of friction where previous talks appeared to have stalled. The new initiative comes after President Trump recently aborted a scheduled visit to Pakistan by special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Reports suggest the mission was cancelled following Araghchi’s departure from Islamabad, with Trump noting he saw no point in deploying officials on an “18-hour flight” under the prevailing circumstances, remarking that too much time had been lost to travel. (ANI)

Actor Kajol’s love for sarees is well-known. Her Instagram feed is filled with her saree look.

On Sunday, she once again treated fans to her pictures in a saree. Kajol looked elegant and stylish in a mauve colored saree that she paired with a matching cut-sleeve blouse.

The saree is adorned with sequins and floral motifs. Her choker necklace also stole the attention, especially with pearls drooping gently from it.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Kajol was last seen as a talk show host of Prime Video’s show ‘Two Much With Kajol and Twinkle’.

The show features some of the biggest names from Indian cinema. Viewers saw lighthearted conversations and candid moments as the two hosts brought their contrasting yet complementary personalities on screen.

She was also seen in the second season of The Trial: Pyaar, Kaanoon, Dhokha, an adaptation of The Good Wife. (ANI)

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari inaugurated the 15th edition of Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) in Jaipur and emphasised that the state has everything that a tourist needs.

On Sunday, Diya Kumari took a tour of the place and got updates on the ongoing business meetings between inbound tour operators and businessmen in the tourism sector.

The Great Indian Travel Bazaar is being organised jointly by the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Speaking to the reporters, Diya Kumari said around 185 tour operators have attended the event, highlighting the success of the GITB.

“A large number of tour operators, especially foreign tour operators, have come to mark the auspicious opening of GITB. 185 tour operators attended… Rajasthan has everything a tourist needs… We are now also developing many new destinations,” she said.

Rajasthan Chief Secretary V Srinivas informed that a large number of business interactions will take place during the event.

“Thousands of business interactions will take place in the next two days… I wish Great Indian Travel Bazaar all success… Considering the support we are getting from the Indian government’s Tourism Ministry, I have full confidence that this will be a successful event,” he said.

The event is also supported by Hotel and Restaurant Association of Rajasthan (HRAR), Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) and Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO).

The objective of GITB is to promote Inbound Tourism to India by bringing together leading stakeholders of the Indian tourism industry, such as State Tourism boards, Hotels & Resorts, Destination Management Companies, and Tour Operators to showcase their products as Sellers under a single platform.

Around 3000 leading foreign tour operators from 99 countries have participated as Buyers over the past 14 editions of the Great Indian Travel Bazaar since 2008.

The 15th Edition of GITB is being held from April 26-28, 2026, in Jaipur, Rajasthan. (ANI)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Sunday evening returned to Islamabad following his recent diplomatic engagements in Oman, according to Iran’s state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).

According to IRIB, Araghchi landed here after his one-day trip to Oman.

This is Araghchi’s second visit to the Pakistani capital in two days, and he is expected to continue onwards to Moscow after concluding his brief stop in Pakistan.

According to CNN, citing Iranian sources, Araghchi travelled from Oman to Pakistan’s Nur Khan Airbase on the outskirts of Islamabad. The visit is described as a short transit stop before his departure to Russia.

According to Geo News, citing sources, Araghchi’s return to Pakistan is part of diplomatic efforts to continue to sustain the US-Iran peace talks, despite US President Donald Trump cancelling the planned visit of his representatives to Islamabad.

Araghchi earlier departed from Pakistan’s capital of Islamabad late on Saturday before sharing a framework aimed at “permanently ending” the ongoing conflict with the United States in West Asia, outlining its position during discussions with the Pakistani leadership.

In a post on X, following his departure from Islamabad after a day of high-level meetings with the Pakistani leadership, Araghchi said that Iran had shared its position on a workable framework to permanently end the war and added that it remains to be seen whether the US is genuinely committed to diplomacy.

“Shared Iran’s position concerning a workable framework to permanently end the war on Iran. Have yet to see if the U.S. is truly serious about diplomacy,” the Iranian FM said in his post.

The Iranian delegation, led by Araghchi, departed Islamabad earlier after a day of high-level meetings with the Pakistan leadership, leaving Pakistan’s ambitious claims of brokering a US-Iran peace deal as part of the second round of negotiations in tatters.

According to a statement issued by Araghchi on Telegram, the Iranian Foreign Minister explained Iran’s “principled positions regarding the latest developments related to the ceasefire and the complete end of the imposed war” against the Islamic Republic by US and Israeli forces to the Pakistani side.

Earlier in the day, Araghchi held high-level talks in Muscat with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman at Al-Baraka Palace, where discussions focused on bilateral relations, regional developments, and diplomatic efforts to address ongoing tensions in West Asia, Iranian state media, Press TV reported.

During the meeting, the Iranian Foreign Minister briefed the Omani leadership on Tehran’s perspective regarding recent regional developments, while also appreciating Oman’s mediation efforts and role in promoting dialogue.

Sultan Haitham, in turn, underscored Oman’s continued commitment to mediation and emphasised the importance of diplomatic solutions to ensure regional stability, Press TV reported. (ANI)

Siblings always share a language of their own; sometimes through teasing, sometimes through old memories and often through the kind of easy laughter that needs no explanation.

Actor Arjun Kapoor and his sister Anshula Kapoor reminded fans of exactly that with a light-hearted social media moment that quickly won hearts online.

On Sunday, Arjun gave fans glimpse of his bond with Anshula as he posted an adorable selfie on his Instagram Story. The picture, seemingly clicked at a lakeside location, captured the siblings in a relaxed mood, smiling for the camera and enjoying some quiet time together.

The actor added his trademark playful touch, Arjun captioned the captioned the picture: “Detox but make it fun.”

Take a look

The post comes at a special time for the Kapoor family, as Anshula is preparing for a major new chapter in her life. She is set to marry her longtime boyfriend Rohan Thakkar. The couple had their Gor Dhana ceremony in a private celebration on October 2 last year, attended by close friends and family members. Several glimpses from the pre-wedding celebrations surfaced online at the time. Actor Arjun Kapoor, Anshula’s brother, also shared a special post for her during the festivities.

Earlier, Anshula also celebrated her bachelorette getaway in Seoul with close friends. She shared pictures from the trip on social media and referred to her group as the “Seoulsters for life.” The celebrations offered a cheerful glimpse into the days leading up to the wedding, combining travel, friendship, and family joy. (ANI)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday held a roadshow in Barasat, West Bengal, as part of the ongoing election campaign in the state.

Taking to X, Shah said, “In Bengal, the sun of syndicate rule is setting, and the sunrise of good governance is about to happen.”

Earlier in the day, Shah also addressed a public rally in Ranaghat South and Nadia, where he interacted with party supporters and highlighted the party’s poll agenda.

The Union Home Minister’s visit comes amid intensified campaigning in West Bengal ahead of the ongoing electoral phase.

Earlier today in Nadia, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on the Congress and the West Bengal government, accusing them of being soft on terrorists.

He further said that ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014, India has responded decisively to terror attacks with actions such as surgical and air strikes, asserting that the government has eliminated terrorism.

Addressing a public rally at Nadia, West bengal, Shah said, “When Mamata Banerjee and the Congress government were in power, they used to feed biryani to terrorists. In 2014, when the PM Modi government came to power, an attack happened in Uri, we carried out a surgical strike; an attack happened in Pulwama, we conducted an airstrike, and an attack happened in Pahalgam, entering Pakistan’s home, we carried out Operation Sindoor and wiped out the terrorists. PM Modi has freed this country from terrorism.”

Polling for Phase I of the Assembly elections concluded at 6 pm on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a significantly higher voter turnout of 91.78 per cent, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). The high turnout figures underline an active electoral exercise as polling drew to a close amid tight security arrangements across constituencies.

The polling for the second phase will begin on April 29, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4. (ANI)

Actor Shraddha Kapoor couldn’t stop praising rumoured boyfriend Rahul Mody, swooning over his latest advertisement with ‘Saiyaara’ star Aneet Padda.

Sharing the advertisement clip on her Instagram, Shraddha gave a shoutout to Mody, calling him “talented”.

“Cuteness + best acting ka perfect mishran = @aneetpadda_ Aur cuteness se yaad aaya, yeh writer-director kitna talented hai uff! @modyrahulmody,” she wrote.

Aneet, in a quick response to Shraddha’s warm words, reshared the post on her Instagram story and added, “takes one to know one Miss Kapoor!”

The relationship rumours surrounding Shraddha Kapoor and Rahul Mody first began circulating when the two were seen attending public events together, including a wedding.

In June 2024, the ‘Stree’ actress seemingly appeared to confirm her romance officially on social media.

She shared a selfie with Rahul Mody on her Instagram stories and wrote, “Dil rakh le, Neend toh vaapis de de yaar,” adding ‘Neend Churayee Meri’ from the film ‘Ishq’ as the background song.

Rahul Mody, a screenwriter and assistant director, is known for his work on the hit film ‘Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar’, which stars Shraddha alongside Ranbir Kapoor.

However, despite the speculations, neither Shraddha nor Rahul has officially confirmed the nature of their relationship.

On the acting front, Shraddha will be seen as a lead in ‘Eetha’, directed by Laxman Utekar. The film also stars Randeep Hooda.

She was also a part of the animated adventure ‘Zootopia 2’, lending her voice for the Hindi version as the beloved bunny cop Judy Hopps. (ANI)