Hours after the US Justice Department announced the lifting of the federal moratorium on capital punishment and the reinstatement of firing squad executions, Pope Leo XIV issued a strongly worded message condemning the death penalty. Delivered through a video address to DePaul University in Chicago, the Pope’s remarks coincided with the 15th anniversary of Illinois abolishing capital punishment, underscoring the significance of the moment. In his message, Pope Leo XIV emphasized t

All preparations are in place for the launch of a new political party by Kalvakuntla Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister and BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao. The event will take place on April 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Prof Jayashankar Grounds in Muneerabad, Medchal-Malkajgiri district. Kavitha’s new political party has been named “Telangana Praja Jagruthi”, a name that was registered two months ago. Kavitha, who resigned from the BRS and her Legislative Coun

Mumbai: The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral mapping in Maharashtra has shown disappointing results in urban areas, particularly in Mumbai, Thane, and Pune, while the tribal district of Gadchiroli has seen the highest participation. As per the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) data, the Mumbai Suburban district recorded only 36.31% of electoral mapping, the lowest in the state and far below the state average of 64.77%. On the other hand, Gadchiroli has achieved

How did Dr. Rajkumar influence Kannada cinema and earn top honors? remains a defining question in understanding Indian cinema, particularly in southern India. Dr. Rajkumar, born on April 24, 1929, in Karnataka, India, rose from a theater background to become one of the most respected actors in Kannada cinema. Raised in a family of stage performers, his early exposure to acting shaped a disciplined and values-driven career that spanned decades. Early life and rise in Kannada cinema Rajkumar’s upbringing in rural Karnataka and his work in traveling theater troupes laid the foundation for his entry into films. He made his cinematic debut in the 1950s with Bedara Kannappa, a mythological film where he portrayed a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. The film marked a turning point in Kannada cinema and established him as a leading actor. Over time, he went on to act in more than 200 films, earning widespread recognition Film career success and lasting impact Over the course of his career, Rajkumar became synonymous with Kannada cinema, often referred to as “Annavru.” His films consistently performed well at the box office and carried strong social messages. One of his most influential works, Bangarada Manushya, portrayed a man returning to agriculture, inspiring many toward rural development and farming. Decades later, Jeevana Chaitra highlighted his enduring appeal, where he played an elderly villager reflecting on changing societal values. Contributions as a playback singer In addition to acting, Rajkumar was an accomplished playback singer. His songs, often rooted in classical traditions, gained widespread popularity. His performance in “Nadamaya” from Jeevana Chaitra earned him national recognition, further establishing his versatility in Indian cinema. Awards, honors, and public recognition Rajkumar received numerous prestigious honors for his contributions to cinema and culture. He was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1995, India’s highest recognition in film. He also received the Padma Bhushan in 1983, one of the country’s top civilian honors. In 1992, he was conferred the Karnataka Ratna, recognizing his profound influence on the state’s cultural identity. Role in Gokak protest and personal principles During the Gokak agitation in the 1980s, Rajkumar played an active role in advocating for the primacy of the Kannada language in education. His involvement brought widespread attention to the movement and reinforced his position as a cultural leader. Strict on-screen rule against smoking and alcohol portrayal One of his most defining personal principles was his conscious decision to never smoke or consume alcohol in his on-screen roles. Given his immense popularity and influence, he believed audiences—especially younger fans—might imitate his behavior. This deliberate choice reflected his sense of responsibility as a public figure and strengthened his reputation as a disciplined and value-driven icon. Rajkumar’s legacy continues to influence Indian cinema and cultural identity, making his life and career a lasting point of reference for artists and audiences alike.

A major political shift unfolded in New Delhi on Friday, April 24, 2026, as Raghav Chadha, along with fellow Rajya Sabha MPs Ashok Mittal and Sandeep Pathak, officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party after resigning from the Aam Aadmi Party. The leaders were inducted into the BJP in the presence of party chief Nitin Nabin at the party office in Delhi, where they were welcomed with bouquets and greeted senior party members. Earlier in the day, Chadha, aged 37, announced his resignation from AAP along with six other MPs, stating their intention to merge with the BJP by invoking constitutional provisions that allow such a move when two-thirds of a party’s members agree. The group submitted a formal letter along with required documents to Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan. With seven out of ten AAP MPs in the Rajya Sabha switching sides, the anti-defection law is unlikely to apply. As a result, only three AAP MPs—Sanjay Singh, Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, and N. D. Gupta—remain in the Upper House. Chadha explained that his decision was driven by growing dissatisfaction with the party’s direction, stating that he increasingly felt like “the right person in the wrong party.” His exit comes after a series of developments, including his removal as Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha and replacement by Ashok Mittal. Reports also highlighted his absence from key opposition actions, refusal to sign certain notices, and exclusion from the party’s star campaigner list in multiple state elections. Meanwhile, Sandeep Pathak expressed emotional difficulty over leaving the party after a decade-long association. The move has triggered sharp reactions from AAP leadership. Senior leader Sanjay Singh accused the BJP of orchestrating defections through what he described as “Operation Lotus,” alleging misuse of state machinery and investigative agencies to weaken opposition parties. Arvind Kejriwal also reacted, stating that the development represents a betrayal of public trust, particularly ahead of the Punjab elections scheduled for early 2027, where AAP currently holds power. This high-profile political realignment is expected to significantly alter the balance of power in the Rajya Sabha, strengthening the BJP’s position while dealing a major setback to AAP’s parliamentary presence.

Porsche sells its Bugatti Rimac stake, marking a full exit and shift toward core operations amid global market challenges. Porsche exits Bugatti Rimac joint venture in strategic stake sale — Porsche AG has agreed to sell its 45% stake in the Bugatti Rimac joint venture, marking a full withdrawal from the high-performance electric hypercar venture as it sharpens focus on

Donald Trump stated that the United States currently has no intention of using nuclear weapons against Iran, offering clarity on a key concern amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump emphasized that conventional military actions had already achieved significant results without the need for nuclear escalation. Addressing recent speculation, Trump said there was no justification for deploying nuclear weapons, noting that existing strategies had been effective. His remarks come after earlier statements that had drawn international attention, where strong rhetoric raised concerns about the potential use of extreme measures during the conflict that began earlier this year. The president reiterated that nuclear weapons should not be used by any nation, signaling a shift toward a more restrained public stance. At the same time, he underscored the administration’s objective of preventing Iran from developing nuclear capabilities that could pose a threat to regional and global security. Comments from senior officials have also contributed to the broader discussion. JD Vance had previously indicated that the United States was prepared to escalate its response if necessary, though the White House clarified that such remarks did not imply nuclear action. Trump’s latest statement appears to balance deterrence with reassurance, highlighting a focus on maintaining pressure through conventional means while avoiding the risks associated with nuclear engagement. As tensions persist, the administration continues to stress its commitment to preventing further escalation while safeguarding national interests and stability in the region.

EU approves major Ukraine aid and new Russia sanctions after resolving internal disputes, strengthening Kyiv’s position and increasing pressure on Moscow amid ongoing war. EU approves $105 billion Ukraine loan and new Russia sanctions after deadlock ends. The European Union on Thursday, April 23, 2026, granted final approval to a €90 billion ($105 billion) loan for Ukraine and endorsed a new round of sanctions against Russia, marking a significant shift

Hyderabad’s premium residential hub, Jubilee Hills, may soon become home to an even more star-studded neighborhood, as reports suggest that Nandamuri Balakrishna and Allu Arjun are plan

One year after the deadly attack in Pahalgam, India has taken its message on terrorism to a global stage through an exhibition at Capitol Hill in Washington, organized by the Embassy of India, Washington, D.C.. The event, titled “The Human Cost of Terrorism,” was held to commemorate the victims and highlight the lasting impact of violence on civilians. The attack, which took place on Ap

Rajasthan Royals have emerged as one of the standout teams in the early phase of IPL 2026, securing five wins in their first seven matches and climbing to second place on the points table with 10 points. While the team’s overall performance has been consistent and dominant, captain Riyan Parag has faced challenges with his personal batting form. Parag has managed only 81 runs across seven innings, averaging 13.50, which is well below expectations for a top-order batter. In the rec

Voting is currently underway in two of India’s most politically significant states, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, as part of the 2026 Assembly elections. Polling began today at 7:00 am and is scheduled to continue until 6:00 pm, following early mock polling exercises conducted at select locations such as Chennai and Siliguri to ensure the readiness of voting systems. Officials have reported smooth initial operations, with voter turnout expected to build steadily throughout the day. The electoral process differs between the two states. Tamil Nadu is conducting voting in a single phase, meaning voters across the state will determine the next government simultaneously. In contrast, West Bengal is following a two-phase format, with the second phase scheduled for April 29. Results for both states, along with ongoing bypolls in other regions, will be declared on May 4. In Tamil Nadu, the contest is primarily between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the NDA bloc led by AIADMK. The DMK alliance includes Congress, DMDK, and VCK, while AIADMK is aligned with BJP and PMK. However, this election cycle introduces a notable shift with the political entry of Vijay and his party TVK. His debut adds a third dimension to what has traditionally been a two-front contest, potentially altering voting patterns and outcomes. West Bengal presents an equally intense political environment. The ruling Trinamool Congress, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is seeking a fourth consecutive term in power. The BJP, which significantly expanded its presence in the previous election by securing 77 seats, is aiming to build on that momentum and challenge the incumbent leadership more aggressively. Beyond these two major states, bypolls are also being conducted in Gujarat’s Umreth and Maharashtra’s Baramati and Rahuri constituencies. These results will be announced alongside the main election outcomes, adding further political significance to the day’s voting activity.

Kerala has taken a significant step towards addressing the growing concern of screen addiction among children, with the state’s child rights panel recommending strict guidelines on digital exposure. The panel has emphasized that children below the age of two should have zero exposure to screens, including mobile phones, tablets, televisions, and other digital devices. The move comes amid rising concerns among health experts and educators about the long-term physical, mental, and emotional i

The University of Mumbai has launched an inquiry into the alleged leak of three question papers from its third-year BCom examinations conducted between April 10 and 15. University officials confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and details are being kept confidential. They stated that strict action will be taken in accordance with rules if any individual is found guilty of involvement in the leak. The issue came to light after students approached the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi

A fatal road accident in Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh, India, around 8:00 PM IST on Wednesday, April 22, 2026evening resulted in the deaths of 11 people after a truck collided with multiple vehicles and triggered a fire, authorities confirmed. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety and traffic enforcement in the region. According to police officials, the crash occurred when a speeding truck rammed into a Swift car. The force of the impact pushed the smalle

Paramapujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji marked a historic milestone with his 365th “Music for Meditation and Healing” concert, titled Indraprastha Raga Sagara, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, on Sunday, April 19, 2026 (IST). Renowned violinist Dr. L. Subraman

The Abhishek Sharma 135 IPL innings has taken the cricket world by storm, as the Sunrisers Hyderabad opener delivered one of the greatest knocks in IPL history. His unbeaten century powered SRH to a massive total, leaving fans and analysts in awe. Abhishek Sharma’s record-breaking knock On April 22, 2026, Abhishek Sharma produced a sensational performan

The Ranveer Singh Deepika Padukone pregnancy news is trending across social media as fans celebrate the couple’s journey into parenthood once again. With Deepika announcing her second pregnancy, Ranveer’s joyful reaction has quickly gone viral. Ranveer Singh’s viral moment with fans On Tuesday, April 22, 2026, Ranveer Singh was spotted in Mumbai, wh

Bollywood couple Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary on April 20, 2026, marking nearly two decades of togetherness. The actor shared glimpses of their intimate celebration on social media, featuring adorable selfies with their daughter

A shocking murder case has surfaced from Satna, adding to a series of disturbing “blue drum” crimes reported in recent times. The incident came to light on Monday when a woman named Asha and her daughter returned home to find their house locked from the outside, while the lights and cooler were still running inside, raising immediate suspicion. Co