Washington, April 7 (IANS) U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a final deadline to Iran to reach a deal, warning of sweeping military action if talks fail, as tensions in West Asia escalate with global energy and security implications.​

“They have till tomorrow, 8:00 eastern time,” Trump said, adding that the window for diplomacy was closing fast.​

He said negotiations were ongoing but uncertain. “We think [they are] negotiating in good faith… we’re going to find out,” he told reporters at a crowded news conference here.​

At the same time, Trump made clear that military options remain on the table. “We can knock them out for a loop,” he said, underscoring the scale of potential U.S. action.​

He added that “very little is off limits” in terms of possible targets, signalling that critical infrastructure could be hit if Iran fails to comply.​

The President indicated that ensuring the free flow of oil remains central to U.S. demands. “Part of that deal is going to be we want free traffic of oil and everything else,” he said, pointing to the strategic importance of energy routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.​

Trump described Iran as weakened after recent U.S. operations. “They have no navy… they have no Air Force… they have no anti-aircraft weaponry,” he said, while cautioning that asymmetric threats remain.​

He also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the next phase of the conflict. “I can’t tell you… "It depends on what they do,” Trump said when asked whether the war was nearing an end or could escalate further.​

The remarks reflect a mix of pressure and diplomacy, with the U.S. seeking concessions while keeping the option of intensified strikes open. Trump said several countries were engaged in efforts to resolve the crisis. “A lot of people are affected by this,” he noted.​

The situation carries significant implications for global energy markets, particularly if tensions disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for oil supplies. Trump warned that even limited actions, such as deploying sea mines, could halt traffic and trigger wider economic fallout.

--IANS

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Washington, April 7 (IANS) President Donald Trump has said the United States could take control of Iranian oil resources as part of the outcome of the ongoing conflict, framing it as a potential economic return for military action.​

“If I had my choice… yeah, because I’m a businessman first,” Trump said when asked about securing Iran’s oil. He pointed to past U.S. actions elsewhere to justify the idea.​

Drawing a parallel with Venezuela, Trump said U.S. involvement there had already yielded energy gains. “We are a partner with Venezuela, and we’ve taken hundreds of millions of barrels… over 100 million barrels already,” he said.​

He framed the approach as a departure from past U.S. policy. “To the victor belong the spoils… we haven’t had that in this country probably in 100 years,” Trump said.​

Trump argued that securing oil resources could offset the cost of military operations. “It paid for that war many, many times over,” he said, referring to Venezuela.​

The comments come amid heightened tensions with Iran and ongoing military operations. Trump described Iran as significantly weakened. “They have no navy… they have no Air Force… they have no anti-aircraft weaponry,” he said.​

At the same time, he suggested economic control could follow military dominance. “We’re the winner… why shouldn’t we?” he said, when discussing broader post-conflict arrangements.​

Trump also linked energy strategy to broader geopolitical goals, including control over key transit routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. Ensuring “free traffic of oil” remains a priority in negotiations, he said.​

However, the proposal to take over another country’s oil resources is likely to raise legal and diplomatic concerns, particularly under international law governing sovereignty and conflict.​

Responding to questions, Trump indicated that decisions would depend on how negotiations with Iran unfold. “We have to have a deal that’s acceptable to me,” he said, adding that talks were ongoing and approaching a deadline.​

The remarks highlight a transactional approach to foreign policy, where military success could translate into economic leverage. They also underscore the centrality of energy security in the current U.S. strategy toward Iran.

--IANS

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Washington, April 7 (IANS) The strategic Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a central flashpoint in the escalating U.S.-Iran standoff, with President Donald Trump calling it “a very big priority” even as he warned Tehran of severe consequences if negotiations fail.​

Addressing a crowded White House press conference, Trump underscored the vulnerability of the narrow oil chokepoint, saying it could be disrupted with minimal effort. “To close the strait, all you need is one terrorist that somehow has a truck loaded with… a water mine. Drop them in the water,” he said.​

He added that even the perception of mines could halt global shipping. “You can do that even just by saying we put mines in the water,” Trump said, noting the risks for vessels worth billions of dollars.

​The remarks came amid heightened tensions following U.S. military operations inside Iran and ongoing negotiations with Tehran. Trump said Washington’s objective includes ensuring uninterrupted energy flows. “Part of that deal is going to be we want free traffic of oil and everything else,” he said.​

The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil passes, has long been a geopolitical pressure point. Trump suggested that while the U.S. has degraded Iran’s conventional military capabilities, asymmetric threats to the strait remain a concern.​

“We’ve knocked out their navy… knocked out their Air Force completely,” he said, adding that Iran’s ability to deploy mines or disrupt shipping still poses a challenge. “They could drop them… I’m not even sure they have any mines… but they’re very good… negotiators,” he said.​

Trump also floated an unconventional idea: imposing tolls on maritime traffic. “We have a concept where we’ll charge tolls… why shouldn’t we? We’re the winner,” he said, framing it as a potential post-conflict arrangement.​

At the same time, he indicated that diplomacy remains active but uncertain. “They have till tomorrow, 8:00 eastern time… we think [they are] negotiating in good faith,” he said, while warning of severe military action if talks collapse.​

“We can knock them out for a loop,” Trump said, adding that infrastructure targets remain an option. “Very little is off limits,” he said, though he also noted, “I hope I don’t have to do it.”​

The President acknowledged the broader global stakes, saying multiple countries are engaged in efforts to resolve the crisis. “A lot of people are affected by this,” he said.

--IANS

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Washington, April 7 (IANS) The operation to rescue fighter pilots projected military dominance, with top officials asserting that it demonstrated unmatched capability and warning adversaries of America’s reach.​

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the mission showed why the US has “the greatest fighting force the world has ever known.”​

“In two extraordinary combat search and rescue operations deep inside enemy territory in Iran, our warriors executed missions of breathtaking skill, courage, and precision,” he told reporters at a White House news conference.​

The operation followed the downing of an F-15 fighter jet inside Iran. Two crew members ejected and were stranded behind enemy lines. Both were later rescued in separate missions.​

Officials said the operations involved coordinated strikes, intelligence support, and special forces working under heavy enemy pressure.​

“These are not routine operations… high-risk, high-stakes missions conducted in the heart of enemy territory,” Hegseth said.​

He said US forces operated for hours over Iran without being stopped.​

“We flew for seven hours in daylight over Iran… and Iran did nothing about it,” he said.​

Military officials described intense combat conditions during the rescue. Aircraft were hit by enemy fire. Crews continued the mission despite the damage.​

General Dan Caine said forces engaged enemy fighters while protecting rescue teams.​

“They were violently suppressing and engaging the enemy in a close-in gunfight,” he said.​

One aircraft was hit and later abandoned. The pilot ejected safely and was recovered.​

Despite the risks, officials said all personnel returned safely.​

“No American lives were lost,” Hegseth said.​

The mission lasted more than 50 hours. It involved air cover, drones, refuelling aircraft, and rescue units working in coordination.​

Hegseth said the operation sent a message to adversaries.​

“The Iranians are still asking themselves right now, how did the Americans do this?” he said.​

He added that US forces remain ready to act anywhere.​

“The United States military will go anywhere at any time to protect our own and complete the mission,” he said.​

President Donald Trump also described the mission as historic and said it showed the strength of US military power.​

Officials said the operation comes amid ongoing US strikes and rising tensions with Iran. Washington has increased military pressure while pushing for a negotiated outcome.​

The US has long relied on rapid-response and special operations forces to recover personnel in conflict zones. Such missions are rare due to the risks involved.​

The Iran operation highlights the scale of US military reach in the region and signals a willingness to operate deep inside hostile territory, a factor that could shape future conflict dynamics in West Asia.

--IANS

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Washington, April 7 (IANS) The CIA used deception tactics and advanced intelligence tools to locate a downed US airman deep inside Iran, playing a critical role in a high-risk rescue mission that US officials said left Iranian forces “confused” and “humiliated.”

CIA Director John Ratcliffe told reporters at a White House news conference that the agency worked to both find the airman and mislead Iranian forces searching for him.

“We needed to locate the downed aviator as quickly as possible, while at the same time keeping our enemies misdirected,” he said.

Ratcliffe said the CIA deployed “human assets and exquisite technologies” to track the missing officer. He compared the effort to “hunting for a single grain of sand in the middle of a desert.”

The airman had been stranded in mountainous terrain after an F-15 fighter jet went down in Iran. He remained hidden while Iranian forces searched for him.

The CIA confirmed his location on Saturday.

“We achieved our primary objective by finding and providing confirmation that one of America’s best and bravest was alive and concealed in a mountain crevice,” Ratcliffe said.

That information triggered the final phase of the rescue.

​US officials said the agency also ran a deception campaign to divert Iranian attention.

“CIA executed a deception campaign to confuse the Iranians who were desperately hunting for our airman,” Ratcliffe said.

​Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation involved coordinated strikes, intelligence support, and special operations forces working together.

​“These are not routine operations… conducted in the heart of enemy territory,” he said.

​The rescue unfolded over more than two days. One airman was recovered earlier. The second, who was injured, evaded capture before being located and extracted.

​Ratcliffe said the mission highlighted the role of intelligence in modern warfare.

​“Flawless military operations… are hostage to flawless intelligence,” he said.

​He added that Iranian forces failed to stop the operation and were left embarrassed.

​“Our intelligence reflects that the Iranians were embarrassed and, ultimately, humiliated by the success of this audacious rescue mission,” he said.

​Officials said the mission combined surveillance, deception, and rapid execution to achieve its objective without American casualties.

​The operation comes as the US steps up military pressure on Iran while continuing parallel diplomatic efforts. Intelligence and covert capabilities remain central to that strategy.

​Such missions highlight how modern conflicts rely not just on firepower but also on real-time intelligence, surveillance, and electronic warfare.

​For countries like India, which closely track developments in West Asia, the episode underscores the growing role of intelligence-led operations in shaping military outcomes in the region.

--IANS

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Washington, April 7 (IANS) President Donald Trump said some US military officials opposed a high-risk rescue mission in Iran, warning it could cost hundreds of lives, but he approved it anyway to bring back two downed airmen.​

“Not everybody was on board,” Trump said. He added that “there were military people… that preferred not doing it.”​

The mission took place deep inside Iranian territory after an F-15 fighter jet went down. Two crew members ejected and were stranded behind enemy lines.​

Trump said the operation involved “hundreds and hundreds” of personnel. He said the risk was severe.​

“Hundreds of people could have been killed,” he said.​

Some officials advised against it.​

“They said… You just don’t do this. You don’t go into the heart of a very powerful military,” Trump said.​

He said he understood the concerns but went ahead.​

“I understood that, but I decided to do it,” he said.​

The rescue unfolded in two phases. The first airman was recovered in a daylight mission. The second, who was injured, evaded capture for hours before being located and rescued.​

Trump highlighted the dangers of flying over hostile territory.​

“We flew seven hours over Iran… that’s a long time over unbelievably hostile territory,” he said.​

He said US forces had weakened Iranian defences but not eliminated them.​

“They still have… a shoulder… missile,” he said.​

Military planners warned of heavy losses.​

“They said… we’re going to be sacrificing hundreds of people,” Trump said.​

In the end, both airmen were rescued. No American lives were lost.​

Trump said the outcome exceeded expectations.​

“If you had told me… nobody was even essentially injured, I would have said that would be impossible,” he said.​

Officials said the mission required coordination across air, ground, and intelligence units. It lasted more than two days.​

The operation comes amid high tensions between the United States and Iran. Washington has stepped up military pressure while keeping the door open for negotiations.​

The US military has long adhered to the “leave no one behind” principle. But such missions are rare. They are often avoided due to high risks.​

Operations inside Iran are especially complex. The terrain is rugged. The military presence is dense. That raises the stakes for any future action.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 7 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Centre issued a gazette notification on Monday giving Amaravati statutory status as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh.

This followed after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was passed by the Parliament last week.

Taking to the social media platform X, CM Naidu wrote, “I thank the Union Government led by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji for his commitment to our state and his guidance, all MPs who supported the Bill, our state leaders, and every citizen who stood with us. This is a victory for my people of Andhra Pradesh, especially my farmers of #Amaravati.”

He also expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu for giving the nod to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

“On behalf of my people of Andhra Pradesh, I express profound gratitude to Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji for her gracious assent to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026, fulfilling the long-cherished dream of our capital,” he added.

As per the gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026, shall be deemed to have come into force on June 2, 2024.

The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026, amended the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

In the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, in section 5 (2), the words “and there shall be a new capital” have been replaced with “and Amaravati shall be the new capital”.

The expression “Amaravati” includes the capital city areas notified under the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority Act, 2014, reads the explanation of the Act.

The Parliament on April 2 gave its final approval to the Amendment Bill, officially designating Amaravati.

The Rajya Sabha passed the bill through a voice vote, a day after the Lok Sabha cleared it.

The enactment has ended years of uncertainty and political flip-flops over the capital issue that arose after the 2014 bifurcation of the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh. It effectively rules out any future attempts to alter the capital’s status or revive the previous three-capital model.

A total of 35 MPs in both Houses participated in the debate on the bill. Barring two MPs of the YSR Congress Party, all the MPs supported it.

YSRCP opposed the bill on the grounds that it failed to address the concerns of farmers, who gave their lands for the development of the state capital.

The foundation for Amaravati as the state capital was laid in 2015 when the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was in power. However, after YSRCP came to power in 2019, it stopped all the projects in Amaravati and mooted the idea of three capitals.

After the TDP-led NDA stormed to power in 2024, it decided to develop Amaravati as the only capital. The works were re-launched last year.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 6 (IANS) Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has heaped praise on the film Dhurandhar: The Revenge, describing it as a “cinematic experience” unlike anything he has witnessed in Indian cinema.

Taking to social media after watching the film, Kohli applauded director Aditya Dhar for his creative vision and conviction, calling him a “genius.” His strong endorsement has quickly added to the growing anticipation surrounding the project.

Kohli reserved special praise for lead actor Ranveer Singh, saying the star has “attained a different level” with his performance. While acknowledging the overall strength of the cast, he emphasized that Singh’s portrayal stood out as “absolutely wow,” making a lasting impression.

Highlighting the film’s emotional depth and gripping narrative, Kohli said it evoked “every kind of emotion” and kept him fully engaged throughout its nearly four-hour runtime. “I didn’t flinch once,” he noted, underscoring the film’s ability to hold attention despite its length.

"This is truly overwhelming coming from such an exceptional talent like vou. Thank you so much, Anushka.

It only pushes us to aim higher, to tell stories with honesty, heart, and purpose, and to keep striving to create something that truly moves people," Aditya Dhar replied to the Instagram story.

Kohli’s enthusiastic review has further fueled buzz around Dhurandhar: The Revenge, positioning it as one of the most talked-about upcoming releases.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 13 (IANS) Maharashtra NCP(SP) President Shashikant Shinde has written a commemorative editorial in the party’s magazine, shedding light on the hidden dynamics of the split and the alleged merger plans between the two NCP factions.

Shinde claimed that late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was forced to exit the original NCP due to threats and conspiracies orchestrated by "invisible powers."

He further said that a final decision to merge the two parties was reached in the presence of Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar and was to be announced on February 12.

In a massive revelation, Shinde asserted that Sharad Pawar and other senior leaders had agreed to hand over the entire command of the unified party to Ajit Pawar following the merger.

“Fulfilling this merger and rebuilding the party with strength would be the only true tribute to Ajit Dada," Shinde wrote.

Shinde clarified, "It was our decision to hand over all party responsibilities to Ajit Dada once the merger process was complete. However, fate had other plans. We were all mentally prepared to accept Ajit Dada’s leadership.”

Shinde appealed to the party faithful, asserting that a merger is the only true tribute to the late leader. He noted, “Ajit Pawar’s dream remains unfulfilled, and it is now the party's responsibility to complete it. Unity: Reuniting and strengthening the NCP is the ultimate goal. Leaders and workers must set aside their differences and broaden their perspective to achieve this unity.”

Following the publication of the article, senior NCP(SP) leader and former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh remarked, "I am unaware of what our State President has said. Since he wrote the article, he likely has more information than I do. I personally have no knowledge of this matter."

While Sharad Pawar has avoided commenting publicly on the matter, Shinde’s article has brought these behind-the-scenes developments to light. However, Shinde’s revelations have sparked a new controversy and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) has reacted with sharp skepticism.

Party spokesperson Suraj Chavan questioned the timing of these claims. Chavan alleged that discussing a merger while the leader’s mortal remains were still at Vidya Pratishthan suggests a "lust for power" rather than genuine respect. He clarified that Sunetra Pawar is now the ultimate authority of their party and any dialogue must happen through her.

Further, the party legislator Amol Mitkari stated that no such merger discussions have occurred within their internal party meetings, attributing the rumours to the rival camp's leaders.

While the Pawar family continues to demonstrate a unique balance of political rivalry and familial bond — recently seen at family weddings — the political future remains clouded.

All eyes are now on Sunetra Pawar. Whether she will pursue the "unfulfilled dream" of a unified NCP or maintain a separate identity, remains a question that will define the next chapter of Maharashtra politics.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) India’s share in global electronics demand has expanded at a rapid compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2 per cent, significantly outpacing global growth of 4.4 per cent between 2015 and 2024, driven primarily by the sharp rise in mobile phone exports, according to NITI Aayog's Trade Watch Quarterly report for July-September 2025-26, launched on Friday.

Between 2016 and 2024, electronics exports increased nearly five-fold, reaching USD 42.1 billion. With global electronics trade valued at USD 4.6 trillion, the sector represents one of the largest and fastest-evolving segments of the world economy. India has demonstrated particular strength in products such as mobile phones, consumer electronics, and communication equipment, with exports increasingly directed towards major final-consumption markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the UAE, the report states.

Electronics, the thematic focus of this quarter's edition, has emerged as a cornerstone of India's manufacturing and export transformation. Now the second-largest item in India's export basket, the sector is both technology-led and deeply interconnected with industries such as automotive, renewable energy, telecom, defence, and digital services, making it a powerful multiplier for industrial growth.

The report states that having established a strong foothold in assembly and system integration, India is now entering the next phase of its electronics journey, moving decisively toward component manufacturing and higher value addition. This transition is supported by targeted policy measures, including the Union Budget's Rs 40,000 crore allocation under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities.

The analysis underscores that sustained competitiveness will be driven by deeper integration into global electronics value chains, encompassing printed circuit board design, semiconductor assembly and testing, power electronics, and embedded systems. Complemented by continued improvements in logistics efficiency, tariff rationalisation, and industry-aligned skill development, these shifts position electronics as a key engine of India's export growth and technological advancement in the coming decade.

NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman Bery said, "Electronics, as the organising core of modern manufacturing value chains, with semiconductors and components, plays a key role in determining trade balances and technological sovereignty. While India has achieved scale in final assembly, sustained competitiveness will depend on correcting structural cost disabilities, deepening domestic component ecosystems, and leveraging anchor investments in components to embed Indian firms more firmly within global production networks."

The publication also provides a comprehensive assessment of global and domestic trade trends at a time when global trade growth has moderated but remains positive, with services continuing to outperform goods and developing regions emerging as key drivers.

The analysis highlights that India's trade performance in Q2 FY26 was driven by export-led momentum sustaining the overall trade expansion amid heightened global uncertainty. Services and merchandise exports recorded robust growth of around 8.5 per cent, outpacing import growth in both merchandise and services.

At a structural level, the edition underscores the deepening of trade among developing economies, which has expanded nearly four-fold since 2005 and now accounts for a rising share of global exports, with India’s trade trajectory increasingly aligned with this Global South rebalancing through regional value chains and new trade corridors.

Further, this edition highlights the growing role of e-commerce as a key enabler of future export growth. India is now among the world’s top six e-commerce markets, with electronics accounting for nearly half of online retail.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) In a farmer-centric step to stabilise domestic markets and ensure remunerative returns to producers, the Centre on Friday approved the export of 25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat, along with an additional 5 LMT of wheat products.

According to a Consumer Affairs Ministry statement, wheat stock availability with private entities during 2025–26 stands at approximately 75 LMT, which is nearly 32 LMT higher compared to the corresponding period last year.

"This substantial year-on-year increase indicates a comfortable supply position in the country. Furthermore, as on April 1, 2026, total wheat availability in the central pool with FCI is projected at around 182 LMT, thus ensuring that export permissions will not impact domestic food security requirements," it said.

Moreover, wheat acreage in Rabi 2026 has also increased to about 334.17 lakh hectares compared to 328.04 lakh hectares last year.

This reflects strong farmer confidence in wheat cultivation supported by assured MSP and procurement mechanisms, and signals the likelihood of another robust harvest, the official statement further added.

The decision to permit export of 25 LMT of wheat and 5 LMT wheat products will help stabilise domestic prices, improve market liquidity, ensure efficient stock rotation, and further strengthen farmers’ income while ensuring national food security.

Meanwhile, to facilitate sugar exports, the government decided to allow export of an additional 5 LMT of sugar to willing sugar mills during the current Sugar Season 2025–26.

Earlier, the government had permitted the export of 15 LMT of sugar during the current Sugar Season 2025–26. This decision is expected to facilitate higher sugar exports and help in managing surplus sugar availability in the country.

As per data, only about 1.97 LMT of sugar has been exported up to January 31, 2026.

In addition, approximately 2.72 LMT of sugar has been contracted for export by sugar mills to date.

The ministry said that the additional export quantity of 5 LMT shall be made available to willing sugar mills, subject to the condition that at least 70 per cent of their allocated quantity is exported by June 30, 2026.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, April 6 (IANS) Reality star Helen Flanagan is opening up on the struggles of dating. The 35-year-old actress has shared that it’s not easy for her to form real connection owing to her fame.

The actress fears being recognised when meeting someone because it gets in the way of real connections, reports ‘Female first UK’.

She told BANG Showbiz, "If you’re in the public eye, it’s more difficult to date because you want to find someone who loves you for you. One of my best mates can go to the pub and meet someone, whereas I would feel a bit more nervous about that because then I’d think, ‘Oh, they might just go, Are you Helen?’ And I’m like, ‘Oh, great’. It’s harder to meet people”.

In October 2022, Helen called off her engagement to 37-year-old footballer Scott Sinclair, whom she has daughters Matilda, 10, and Delilah, seven, as well as four-year-old son Charlie with.

As per ‘Female first UK’, Helen then dated former boxer David Haye, 45, which ended in December 2023 after six months, and ex-football player Robbie Talbot, 46, whom she split from in May 2025 after a one-year romance.

Returning to dating after a long-term relationship came as a shock to Helen, as she said, "I was in a long-term relationship from 19 to 32, so, for me, I started being single from 32, and I’m now 35. Everything’s changed so much with dating now. There’s so much social media and dating apps”.

Helen thinks the best way to navigate dating is by being herself, and that is her approach to ‘Celebrity Ex on the Beach’ which sees famous faces travel to Tenerife to meet potential lovers, only to also come face-to-face with their former partners.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, April 6 (IANS) Hollywood actor Chris Pratt is opening up on playing "the douche character" in a lot of his early roles in the industry.

The 46-year-old star has become one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood over the last decade, reports ‘Female First UK’.

However, the actor said that he "dined out" on playing the "d******* boyfriend for a long time". Recalling his role in ‘Bride Wars’, he told Entertainment Weekly, "This is the role that I often was offered from early in my career up until this point, which is the guy you don't want to end up with the girl, and kind of the douche character. I've been offered that a lot. I dined out on 'd******* boyfriend' for a long time”.

Chris also revealed that he still has fond memories of working on Parks and Recreation, the hit TV sitcom.

The Hollywood star shared, "Can I tell you what I loved so much about Parks and Rec? I worked seven minutes from my house. I would roll into work, and within 20 minutes of parking I would be on camera. I would just throw my fingers through my hair, get up there, and just improv some comedy. It was the best. I loved it”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, the actor likened Andy Dwyer, his on-screen character, to a "golden retriever". The actor also reflected on Andy's romance with Aubrey Plaza's character, April Ludgate.

Chris said, "It was like a cat and a dog if they got married. He's like a golden retriever, eternal optimist, and she's just like aloof, and her character was so into irony and the comedy that comes from irony that she picked the least likely person to end up with, and then fell in love. And it's almost like that act, in itself, is an act of rebellious irony. And I've always loved that”.

Chris believes the romance defined Andy's character. He said, "There was no emotional through-line that Andy ever carried, but there was a couple of sweet moments, and it was based on that romance and that relationship that made it more than just a side character”.

“They, as a couple, there was a certain synergy. Them together equalled more than each of them apart”, he added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 6 (IANS) The National Commission for Women heard the suo motu case with regards to the song ‘Sarke Chunarr Teri’ featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt.

The commission's chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar presided over the meeting. Rakib Alam, the lyricist, Prem, the director, and Gautam K. M. and Supreeth, the representatives of KVN Productions appeared in the hearing. During the hearing, Vijaya Rahatkar expressed concern over the lyrics of the song and said that it is against the dignity of women.

The Hon'ble Speaker did not accept the contention of the accused that he did not know the meaning of the song. She said that the dignity of women cannot be hurt in the name of creativity. The Chairman strictly instructed all concerned not to repeat such mistakes in future. The accused, who were present, tendered a written apology before the commission and admitted that the song had created a wrong impression on the society.

They also said that he will work for women empowerment in the next 3 months and report to the Commission. Actress Nora Fatehi's advocate appeared on her behalf, but the commission did not accept it. The date of April 27, 2026 has been fixed giving them the last opportunity to appear in person. Similarly, actor Sanjay Dutt, who had stated that he was abroad for professional reasons, has been directed to appear in person before the Commission on April 8, 2026.

The controversy around Nora Fatehi centers on the song ‘Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke’ from the film ‘KD: The Devil’. Soon after release, the track drew widespread backlash for allegedly vulgar lyrics and suggestive choreography.

Critics, including singer Armaan Malik, called the writing a “new low”, while social media users labeled the content inappropriate. The issue escalated with legal complaints seeking a ban, citing concerns over its impact on minors and public decency. Amid mounting pressure, the makers reportedly pulled the song from YouTube.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 6 (IANS) Veteran actress Zeenat Aman, who is dubbed the ‘Queen of Instagram’, is revisiting her special memory. On Monday, the actress took to her Instagram, and shared 2 pictures, and recollected how her mother draped her in saree for her first professional photograph.

The first picture is a throwback picture of the actress from her younger days. The picture has a sepia tone, and features her in short hair.

She also penned a long note in the caption, as she wrote, “I can’t quite remember the year, but I can remember the excitement I felt that morning. My mother was taking me to the prestigious Hamilton Studio in Ballard Estate to have my first professional photographs taken. I had an inkling that there could be a future for me in modelling, and if not, at the very least it would be a way to make some pocket money while pursuing further studies. I had just graduated from St. Joseph’s Convent with excellent grades, and was back home with my mum in south Bombay”.

She further mentioned that she had well-known producers as neighbours, film stars living down the street, and many of her older friends were entering the entertainment industry.

She went on, “Parties and conversations revolved around the movies, and this milieu encouraged me to take the leap. Any south Bombay girl of my vintage will know what a thrill it was to be photographed at Hamilton. Established in 1928, it’s one of India’s oldest photography studios, where some of the most notable figures in history have had their portraits taken. My mother was never one to do things by half measure, especially when it came to her precious only child”.

“And so that remarkable woman did my hair, draped me in a sari, and stood behind the camera while I posed shyly for the first time. It would be several years after this picture was taken that Dev Anand would “discover me”. That’s about the first picture. Now, the second picture - IT’S A FAKE! I don’t know how these things take root, but for several years this photograph has been circulated as a picture of a young Zeenat Aman. I do see a resemblance, but that’s just not me”, she added.

--IANS

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