Yash to Begin Shooting for Ramayana as Raavana After Temple Visit

The much-awaited film Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is one of the most anticipated projects in Indian cinema, thanks to its star-studded cast, which includes Yash, Ranbir Kapoor, Sunny Deol, and Sai Pallavi. Yash, who is co-producing the film alongside Namit Malhotra, is set to begin filming for his role as the mighty Raavana in Mumbai this week, after completing a major schedule for Toxic. Temple Visit Before ShootBefore diving into the world of Ramayana, Yash will honor his tradition of visiting the Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. This is a customary practice for the actor, as he starts every new project with a temple visit. For this first schedule, Yash will focus on shooting his solo scenes, with the makers having prepared a special setup to accommodate the Pan-India star. A Technological SpectacleRamayana is being crafted as a visual extravaganza, with grand sequences planned for the first schedule. Yash’s portions, which will be filmed starting at the end of April, are expected to impress with their scale and spectacle. The epic, split into two parts, is slated for release on Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027. Epic Face-Off Between Ram and RaavanaThe film will showcase a monumental clash between Yash’s Raavana and Ranbir Kapoor’s Ram, setting the stage for an intense face-off. Sunny Deol, who plays Lord Hanuman, is expected to join the shoot in June. The film is being produced by DNEG in collaboration with Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, with Yash actively involved in the creative process. Yash’s Big Box Office ReturnAfter the immense success of KGF and KGF 2, Yash is set for another box office showdown in 2026 with Toxic, which releases in March, followed by Ramayana in October. Both films are expected to have a global reach, with Toxic being shot in Kannada and English for international audiences.

Ajith Kumar Makes India Proud at Spa Francorchamps With P2 Finish! 🇮🇳🏁

Actor and racer Ajith Kumar continues to roar both on screen and on track. His Ajith Kumar Racing Team secured an impressive second place at the legendary Spa Francorchamps circuit in Belgium — marking their third podium finish this year after earlier glory at the Dubai 24H. 🔥 Highlights: “A proud moment for Indian motorsport!” read the caption on the official Instagram page of Ajith Kumar Racing, praising the team’s “passion, precision, and perseverance.” 🎬 On the Work Front: Ajith was last seen in ‘Good Bad Ugly’, which hit theatres on April 10. While the film continues its run, the star has taken a temporary break from acting to fully immerse himself in the racing season. 🚗 “No new films until the racing season concludes,” Ajith previously confirmed. But there’s a buzz in Kollywood circles — he may reteam with director Adhik Ravichandran once again for his next venture. Fans are now keeping a close eye out for an official announcement. Ajith’s journey from superstar to speedster is a rare and remarkable crossover — and with every race, he’s not just winning medals, but winning hearts too.

Rohit Sharma Becomes Second-Highest Run-Scorer in IPL History, Surpasses Shikhar Dhawan

In a high-octane clash at Wankhede Stadium, Rohit Sharma delivered a match-winning performance that etched his name deeper into IPL history. Scoring a brilliant 76 off 45 balls in Mumbai Indians’ emphatic win over Chennai Super Kings, Rohit not only claimed the Player of the Match award but also surpassed Shikhar Dhawan to become the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history. 🔝 Top 3 IPL Run-Scorers (as of now): 👏 Legacy and Impact 🧠 Quick Stat:

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan Celebrate 18th Wedding Anniversary with Heartfelt Family Moment

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary on April 20 (Sunday), marking the special occasion with a touching family photo. The picture featured Aishwarya, Abhishek, and their daughter Aaradhya, all dressed in white, radiating warmth and togetherness. Aishwarya shared the photo on social media with a white heart emoji in the caption, and the picture quickly garnered love from fans and celebrities alike. Renowned musician Amaan Ali Bangash dropped red heart emojis in the comments, while a fan noted, “Love how Abhishek’s glasses match your lipstick.” Amidst intense public speculation about their relationship, Aishwarya and Abhishek have repeatedly made joint appearances, silencing rumors of any rift in their marriage. Earlier this month, the couple attended Aishwarya’s cousin Shloka Shetty’s brother’s wedding in Pune, where they were seen alongside their daughter Aaradhya. Several pictures and videos from the event went viral, including a video where Aishwarya and Abhishek were seen dancing joyfully to the song Kajra Re from Bunty Aur Babli. In addition to the wedding festivities, the couple was seen together at a star-studded wedding reception in December, as well as celebrating their daughter Aaradhya’s birthday. Abhishek and Aishwarya were also seen cheering for Aaradhya during her school’s annual day performance, showcasing their strong family bond. On the professional front, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan recently reprised her role as Nandini in Ponniyin Selvan: II, directed by Mani Ratnam. Meanwhile, Abhishek Bachchan was last seen in the Amazon Prime original Be Happy.

Banking Stocks Lead Market Resurgence as Nifty Bank Hits Record High

HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank Rally on Strong Q4 Results, Policy Tailwinds Fuel Sector Optimism Nifty Bank Soars Past 55,000 Milestone In a remarkable turn of events for the Indian markets, the Nifty Bank index surged past the 55,000 mark for the first time ever on Monday, marking a powerful breakout amid easing global and domestic headwinds. This rally was spearheaded by stellar Q4 earnings from private sector heavyweights HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, injecting renewed optimism into a market still navigating post-tariff volatility. HDFC Bank climbed nearly 2% to touch a 52-week high of ₹1,950.70, while ICICI Bank followed closely with a 1% gain, reaching a lifetime high of ₹1,436.00. Brokerages responded swiftly, reaffirming bullish outlooks on financials as earnings exceeded expectations. Nomura Stays Bullish on Financials Japanese brokerage Nomura highlighted the sector’s appeal, citing low earnings risk, attractive valuations, and an increasingly accommodative monetary policy. With the RBI having already cut policy rates by 50 basis points in 2025—and another 100 bps anticipated by year-end—the environment is primed for credit expansion. Furthermore, RBI’s liquidity-boosting tools—including OMO purchases, VRR operations, and forex swap auctions—have helped swing banking system liquidity into surplus. In tandem, a reduction in risk weights for NBFCs and microfinance institutions has spurred credit supply, laying a strong foundation for sectoral growth. Liquidity and Lending Outlook Brightens According to Nomura, system liquidity conditions are expected to improve further, paving the way for stronger deposit and credit growth. While the market remains cautious of NIM compression and rising credit costs, concerns over asset quality are diminishing, and banks are showing greater willingness to lend. Technical Picture Signals Strength From a technical standpoint, the Bank Nifty breakout is solid. After a 6% gain last week, the index posted a long bullish candle on the weekly chart—typically a strong indicator of sustained momentum. Ajit Mishra of Religare Broking suggests the index may now target the 55,000–57,000 range, with any pullbacks towards the 51,900–53,400 zone likely to attract buying interest, given the strong base built over a nine-month consolidation. FIIs and Macro Tailwinds Bolstering the Sector Adding to the bullish sentiment, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have made a strong comeback, pumping ₹15,000 crore into Indian equities in just three days. According to Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, FIIs are rotating into domestic consumption themes—including financials, telecom, aviation, autos, and real estate—amid weak US growth projections that are likely to keep IT under pressure. Conclusion The Bank Nifty’s record-setting rally underscores growing investor confidence in the sector’s earnings resilience, macro tailwinds, and policy support. As liquidity improves and lending appetite returns, the stage appears set for continued strength in India’s banking stocks.

Pope Francis Dies at 88 After Prolonged Illness, Vatican Confirms

First Latin American and Jesuit Pope Remembered for His Humble Leadership and Progressive Reforms Historic Passing of a Global Spiritual Leader The Vatican has announced the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88, marking the end of a transformative 12-year papacy. The pontiff, who became the first Latin American and first Jesuit leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died at 7:35 AM after a prolonged illness. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, speaking on Vatican TV, stated, “At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.” A Papacy Marked by Health Struggles and Determination The Pope had faced numerous health scares throughout his tenure, including a recent and severe case of double pneumonia and kidney complications. Admitted to the hospital on February 14 for bronchitis, his condition worsened before stabilizing in late March. On March 23, he made a symbolic appearance from the hospital balcony, offering a thumbs-up to supporters. Despite visible weakness, he resumed limited duties, including greeting crowds on Easter Sunday and meeting with US Vice President JD Vance on April 19. Final Resting Place Reflects Humility Pope Francis will become the first pope in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican. Honoring his personal wishes, he will be laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome. He also opted out of the traditional three-coffin burial custom, choosing instead a single coffin made of wood and zinc to reflect his pastoral humility. A Reformist and Compassionate Leader Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis was elected on March 13, 2013, at the age of 76. He assumed leadership during a time of crisis, with the Church under fire for clerical sex abuse scandals and bureaucratic infighting. Throughout his papacy, Francis focused on inclusivity, environmental advocacy, and social justice, while modernizing elements of the centuries-old institution. Among his landmark initiatives: Legacy of Complexity and Change Francis’s papacy was not without controversy. He received criticism from both conservative factions, who felt he abandoned traditions, and progressives, who wished for bolder reforms. Nevertheless, he was seen by many as a bridge-builder, seeking to align the Church with the realities of the modern world. Over 12 years, he: The World Mourns a Pope of the People With his passing, the global Catholic community loses a beloved and accessible spiritual leader, one who championed a Church that is more merciful, just, and close to the marginalized. His legacy will continue to shape conversations on faith, compassion, and reform for years to come.

Mumbai-Goa Highway to Be Completed by June 2025, Travel Time to Reduce Significantly

The long-awaited Mumbai-Goa highway project, officially known as National Highway 66, is on track for completion by June 2025, according to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. Once finished, the upgraded highway will slash travel time between Mumbai and Goa to just six hours, a significant improvement from the current journey of 10 to 12 hours. Years of Delays Finally Resolved The project, which has been under construction for several years, was plagued by multiple delays due to challenges such as land acquisition issues, legal disputes, and a lack of coordination between departments. Minister Gadkari confirmed that these problems have now been successfully addressed, and construction is moving forward at a rapid pace. A Boost to the Konkan Region’s Economy and Tourism Gadkari emphasized the highway’s importance in transforming connectivity in the Konkan region, adding that it will serve as a major catalyst for tourism and economic growth along the coastal corridor. Easier and faster access is expected to benefit local businesses, hospitality sectors, and commuters alike. Satellite-Based Toll System to Replace Physical Booths In addition to faster travel, the government is introducing a new toll policy aimed at making highway travel more seamless. Traditional toll booths will be replaced with a satellite-based toll collection system. This system will track vehicle movements via GPS and automatically deduct toll charges from the owner’s bank account based on the exact distance travelled. The policy is expected to be rolled out within the next 15 days, further modernizing the highway experience.

Virat Kohli & Preity Zinta’s Post-Match Moment Steals the Show

In a match where RCB clinched a smooth seven-wicket victory over Punjab Kings, the biggest buzz wasn’t just about the scoreboard — it was about Virat Kohli and Preity Zinta’s warm, post-match interaction that’s now winning hearts across the internet. 🔥 Match Highlights: 💬 The Viral Moment: After the game, near the boundary ropes, Kohli and Preity Zinta were seen sharing a cheerful conversation full of smiles and laughter. The camaraderie between RCB’s talismanic leader and Punjab Kings’ effervescent co-owner was a fan-favorite moment — a refreshing contrast to the usual tension and aggression on the field. 🔁 Social Media Reaction: 🗳️ Fan Poll: Is Virat Kohli’s on-field intensity overshadowed by his off-field demeanor? Vote and let us know where you stand! This little exchange, subtle yet powerful, has become the talking point of the night, showing once again that the spirit of cricket is as important as the numbers on the scoreboard.

Fresh Russian Drone Strikes Reported in Ukraine Just Hours After ‘Easter Truce’ Ends

Just hours after a 30-hour Easter truce declared by Moscow came to an end, Ukraine has reported a fresh wave of Russian drone and missile attacks across multiple regions. The Ukrainian Air Force issued air raid alerts for Kyiv, Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, Cherkasy, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia as residents were urged to take shelter. Explosions in Mykolaiv and Missile Attacks Confirmed In the southern city of Mykolaiv, Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych confirmed that “explosions were heard” late Sunday night. Regional Governor Vitaliy Kim later reported that the city was struck by missiles, though no casualties or damage were recorded. Ukraine’s Air Force noted “rocket danger” in central areas and confirmed the presence of active Russian aircraft in the north-eastern and eastern regions. Air defence systems were reported to be engaged in the Kyiv area. Ceasefire Ends Amid Mutual Accusations The truce, which lasted from Saturday evening to midnight on Sunday Moscow time (21:00 GMT), was declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a temporary halt to hostilities during Orthodox Easter. However, both Kyiv and Moscow have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. While the Kremlin has not commented on the new wave of strikes, a Kremlin spokesperson confirmed earlier that there would be no extension of the truce beyond Sunday. Zelensky: Russian Truce Was “PR” Move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the truce as a public relations stunt, calling Putin’s words “empty.” He claimed that Russia had carried out 1,882 attacks during the ceasefire period, 812 of which involved heavy weaponry. He emphasized Ukraine’s right to respond, stating, “We will respond to silence with silence, our strikes will be to protect against Russian strikes.” Zelensky also proposed a longer pause in attacks on civilian infrastructure, suggesting a 30-day cessation of long-range drone and missile strikes with the possibility of extension. Trump Calls for Peace Deal Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump weighed in, saying he hoped Russia and Ukraine would reach a peace deal “this week,” though he provided no specifics. War Grinds On as Civilian Toll Mounts Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022. As of now, Russia controls approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, annexed in 2014. The conflict has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, predominantly soldiers, with no clear resolution in sight. While Putin’s ceasefire gesture appeared to offer a brief respite, the swift resumption of hostilities reinforces the deep mistrust and continued volatility along the frontlines.

Former Karnataka DGP Om Prakash Murdered by Wife in Shocking Domestic Dispute

In a tragic and unexpected development, former Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) Om Prakash was allegedly murdered by his wife, Pallavi, at their residence in HSR Layout, Bengaluru. According to police reports, the 68-year-old retired IPS officer was attacked during a heated argument that escalated fatally. Shocking Details Emerge: Chilli Powder and a Fatal Stabbing Sources close to the investigation revealed that Pallavi allegedly threw chilli powder in Om Prakash’s face, temporarily blinding him, before stabbing him multiple times. The incident occurred on the ground floor of their three-storeyed house on Sunday. Police found Prakash lying in a pool of blood. What makes the case even more chilling is that Pallavi reportedly made a video call to a friend shortly after the act, declaring, “I have killed the monster.” Daughter Detained, Forensic Investigation Underway Bengaluru Police have detained both Pallavi and their daughter, Kriti, for questioning. While no formal arrests have been made yet, the house has been secured for a detailed forensic examination. An autopsy is being conducted to determine the precise cause and extent of Om Prakash’s injuries. Underlying Issues: Domestic Tensions, Property Disputes, and Mental Health Investigators believe that long-standing tensions within the family played a significant role in the murder. Reports suggest the couple frequently fought and were embroiled in a property dispute related to land in Dandeli, Karnataka. Pallavi had previously visited the local police station to file a complaint and even staged a protest when her concerns were not addressed. Police sources also revealed that she has been undergoing treatment for schizophrenia and is on medication. Distinguished Career Ends in Family Tragedy Om Prakash, originally from Champaran, Bihar, was a 1981-batch IPS officer with a Master’s degree in Geology. He began his career as an Additional Superintendent of Police in Ballari and went on to serve in several key districts including Shivamogga, Uttara Kannada, and Chikkamagaluru. He also held important positions in the Lokayukta and the Fire and Emergency Services. He served as DGP and IGP from March 1, 2015, until his retirement in March 2017. Investigation Focuses on Murder, Mental Health, and Family Conflict Police are now treating the case as a murder investigation, with domestic conflict and mental health forming crucial aspects of the ongoing probe. The incident raises broader questions about the importance of taking domestic complaints seriously to prevent such devastating outcomes.

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