Actor Babil Khan on Thursday took to Instagram and shared pictures of his late father and cinema icon Irrfan Khan.
The pictures show Irrfan Khan lovingly taking care of his wife, Sutapa, even as he was battling cancer himself. In his caption, Babil shared that the photos were taken when Irrfan was treating corns on Sutapa’s feet.
Top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says US naval blockade of Iran’s ports is ‘a clumsy and ignorant decision’.
Published On 18 Apr 2026
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGC) says the Strait of Hormuz is closed and that any ship that attempts to pass through the waterway will be targeted, a dramatic reversal less than 24 hours after the critical shipping lane was reopened.
In a statement carried by Iran’s Student News Agency, the IRGC navy said on Saturday the strait will be closed until the United States lifts its naval blockade on Iranian vessels and ports. It said the blockade was a violation of the ongoing ceasefire agreement in the US-Israel war on Iran.
list of 4 itemsend of list
“We warn that no vessel of any kind should move from its anchorage in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, and approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy, and the offending vessel will be targeted,” it said.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliament speaker and a senior negotiator in talks between Washington and Tehran on ending the war, said in a television interview that “the Strait of Hormuz is under the control of the Islamic Republic”.
“The Americans have been declaring a blockade for several days now. This is a clumsy and ignorant decision,” he added.
The reassertion of control came just hours after Iran had briefly reopened the strait, in line with a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Oil prices dropped on global markets after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that the waterway was “completely open for all commercial vessels.”
More than a dozen commercial ships passed through the waterway before the IRGC reversed course.
Iranian gunboats reportedly fired on two commercial ships on Saturday, according to United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). India’s Ministry of External Affairs also said that two Indian-flagged ships were involved in a “shooting incident” in the strait.
Some merchant vessels in the region received radio messages from the IRGC Navy, warning that no ships were being allowed through the strait.
US President Donald Trump said Tehran could not blackmail Washington by closing the waterway and warned that he would put an end to the ceasefire if a deal before its expiry on Wednesday is not reached. Trump added that the naval blockade would “remain in full force”.
Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, meanwhile, said the navy was ready to inflict “new bitter defeats” on its enemies.
Al Jazeera correspondent Zein Basravi said that Iran and the US are back where they were the previous day.
“Less than 24 hours ago, world leaders were praising what they thought was a breakthrough in this conflict, hoping Iran was signalling a confidence-building measure by opening the Strait of Hormuz, potentially leading to a ceasefire deal and a permanent end to the war,” he said.
“As disappointed as people may be, this isn’t entirely surprising. What we’re seeing now is a return to square one,” he added, saying there are now “two competing blockades in place”.
Al Jazeera’s Ali Hashem, reporting from Tehran, said Iran was using the strait to send a message.
“It’s clear that Iran is dealing with a situation in which they are not sure what’s on the table. So the Strait of Hormuz is once again the only space for engagement, even if it’s a negative engagement. And it’s the space where they are sending and conveying messages to the Americans, showing their leverage,” he said.
MUMBAI: When Sunrisers Hyderabad’s batting flopped in the slog overs to finish on a total of 194/9 on a good batting strip at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, it looked like they had frittered away a great chance to register a win over Chennai Super Kings on Saturday.
The poor finish to the innings stood out more because of the start they were provided by Abhishek Sharma (59/22b) in an electrifying opening partnership of 75 in 5.5 overs with Travis Head.
But a superb bowling performance by Nitish Kumar Reddy (4-0-31-2), Eshan Malinga (4-0-29-3) and Sakib Hussain (4-0-32-1) helped SRH defend their total for a 10-run win. Left-arm spinner Shivang Kumar provided good support with a spell of 3-0-18-1.
Reddy and Malinga shared the top five wickets and Sakib Hussain bowled well under pressure at the death, picking the big wicket of Shivam Dube. CSK needed 18 runs of the last over with three wickets in hand, but Praful Hinge conceded only seven runs. It was a good comeback for Hinge who had been taken to the cleaners (39 runs) in his first two overs.
In their chase, CSK lost their star batter Sanju Samson early. On the first ball of the second over, Nitish Reddy rushed Samson with a back of a length ball, and got him caught off a top-edge.
However, runs leaked from the other end.
SRH’s rookie pacer Hinge, who created a stir against RR in the previous game by picking up three wickets in the first over, was hit for three boundaries in the opening over this time.
His second over, the third of the innings, also didn’t go well with Ayush Mhatre (30/13b) hitting him for 24 runs (a six and three fours). With the other rookie pacer, Sakib Hussain, also going for 13 runs in his first over, CSK raced to 60/1 off four overs.
A hamstring injury to Mhatre while running the second run on the second ball of the fifth over gave the hosts an opening to come back into the game. Two balls later, Mhatre was caught at extra cover where Klassen pulled off a stunner. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad also fell immediately, gloving Eshan Malinga’s first ball to the keeper down the leg-side. It was 66/3 after 5.1 overs and SRH were back in the game.
With Matthew Short and Sarfaraz Khan threading a fourth wicket partnership, CSK were well placed in the chase, being 111/3 at the half-way mark, an equation of 84 off 60 balls.
Malinga bowled an excellent 11th over by claiming the wicket of Sarfaraz at the cost of just one run. Shivang Kumar tightened the screws by taking out Dewald Brevis for a duck. From 84 off 60 balls, it was now 80 off 48 balls with five wickets in hand. The spirited SRH bowlers kept chipping away for a successful and satisfying outing. It was SRH’s third win of the tournament.
Brief scores: SRH 194/9 (A Sharma 59, H Klaasen 59, M Choudhary 2/21, Anshul Kamboj 3/22, J Overton 3/37). CSK 184/8 (M Short 34, N Reddy 2/31, E Malinga 3/29. SRH won by 10 runs.
The government has approved a Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool with a sovereign guarantee fund of Rs 12,980 crore to support maritime insurance amid disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Saturday.The scheme aims to address rising insurance premiums and tighter approvals for shipping cover, which are currently being granted on a case-to-case basis.
The pool will cover major maritime risks including hull and machinery, cargo, protection and indemnity (P&I), and war risks.Coverage will apply to India-flagged vessels, India-controlled ships, and vessels with India as the origin or destination.The proposed framework will run for 10 years, with provision for extension up to 15 years.The proposed Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool is expected to ensure uninterrupted insurance coverage for Indian shipping while reducing dependence on foreign insurers. According to details presented by the government, the mechanism will also help facilitate reciprocal insurance coverage from other non-IG clubs. Another stated benefit is lower foreign exchange outgo through reduced spending on overseas insurance premiums.
Veteran India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Sanju Samson as a potential future captain of Chennai Super Kings, while making it clear that the wicketkeeper-batter must build his own legacy rather than inherit someone else’s.Reflecting on CSK’s leadership evolution, Ashwin pointed out that the transition has been in motion for a while. He traced it back to the period when Ravindra Jadeja briefly took over the captaincy, even though that phase did not go as planned. Since then, according to Ashwin, current skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has quietly taken charge alongside head coach Stephen Fleming.
“I think the mantle is already passed on. When Jadeja took over the captaincy a few years ago, I think that is when the mantle was likely to be passed on. Didn’t quite work out, and then it’s been, Ruturaj… I think Ruturaj has been running the show for the last 2-3 years along with Fleming,” Ashwin told ESPNCricinfo.Looking ahead, Ashwin feels Samson could eventually lead the franchise, although he avoided putting a timeframe on it.“The mantle passing over, if you ask me, I mean, I’m no astrologer, but all I can tell you is I do see Sanju captaining CSK at some stage. Don’t know when, but I do see that happening,” he added.At the same time, Ashwin stressed that Samson should not feel compelled to follow the path set by past leaders, a nod to CSK’s iconic era under MS Dhoni.“The one thing I wouldn’t want to risk upon or don’t want for Sanju is him stepping into anybody’s shoes. You don’t have to really step into anybody’s legacy. We don’t necessarily need to live like that nor play like that,” he said.“He’s got his own unique clothing in which he lives, and I would like to see his own imprint on it. The very fact that we need to follow somebody’s footsteps is where the issue begins. Then we don’t live our lives, right? We start catering to somebody else’s footprints. That is something I don’t want to see him do,” he explained.Meanwhile, Sanju Samson, who joined CSK ahead of the IPL 2026 auction through a trade, has turned his season around impressively after an underwhelming start. He produced a stunning unbeaten 115 against Delhi Capitals in CSK’s fourth game and carried that form into the next match with a fluent 48 off 32 deliveries.He will once again be under the spotlight when CSK take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Poll
Would you prefer to see Sanju Samson developing his own captaincy style?
The Constitution Amendment Bill to tweak Women’s Reservation Bill was defeated in Lok Sabha after the government failed to get a special majority in the Parliament on Friday evening. While 298 members voted in favour of the government backing the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 230 members from the opposition voted against the proposed law. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and actor Pawan Kalyan reacted to the same on his X account, but his comments did not sit well with actor Prakash Raj.
Pawan said, “A historic opportunity to strengthen women’s representation in India’s legislatures has been deliberately blocked by the opposition. The opposition’s stance makes it clear that they lack the intent to support transformative reforms that strengthen Bharat’s democracy and empower women. By refusing to back the Women’s Reservation Bill, they have once again placed political calculations above national progress, delaying a long-overdue step toward inclusive governance and gender justice.”
“Supporting this landmark reform would have demonstrated a collective commitment to empowering women and deepening democratic values. As an NDA ally, the @JanaSenaParty firmly welcomes and appreciates the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji in bringing this significant bill before Parliament. Had it been passed, it would have marked a defining moment of pride and progress for millions of women across the country. We remain confident that, in the days ahead, women will secure their rightful and strengthened place in India’s legislative institutions,” he concluded.
Prakash Raj reshared the post on his X account and wrote, “Please stop lying to citizens just to please Modi. Women’s reservation bill was approved in 2023 itself. It can be passed even now . But your gang wanted to pass Delimitation bill which would weaken the representation of South Indian states including Andhra Pradesh. Requesting you not to sell the self respect and the State rights of Andhra People who have made you DCM (folded hands emoticons) I am ready for debate with you to explain. Are you ready?”
Two other bills, meant for delimitation and increasing the number of seats in the Lok Sabha, were not put to vote in the Lower House after the 131st Amendment Bill failed for get two-thirds majority.
Meanwhile, the 2023 Women’s Reservation Act still stands and was notified by the government in the gazette on Thursday night. If the law is to be implemented, the government will still have to bring a delimitation bill, as the 2023 act links the quota to the delimitation exercise. Ruling alliance members hit the streets in protest against the bill’s defeat, terming the Opposition anti-women.
The Opposition rejected this allegation, saying it favoured women’s reservation but opposed the question of delimitation, and questioned the government’s timing and intent. “We have defeated this attack on the Constitution. We have clearly said that this is not a women’s reservation bill, but it is a way to change India’s political structure,” said Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.
The music industry is mourning the loss of legendary singer Asha Bhosle, who passed away on April 12, 2026, following cardiac complications. Amid the outpouring of tributes, it is her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle who has been sharing deeply personal moments, reflecting on their bond and the void left behind.Asha Bhosle, who was hospitalised on April 11 due to cardiac and respiratory issues, saw her condition deteriorate the following morning. According to reports, she suffered multi-organ failure shortly before her passing.
Taking to Instagram, Zanai shared a heartfelt carousel of memories. One image captured her warmly hugging and kissing her grandmother, while another showed Asha with her son Anand Bhosle and Zanai during a musical moment together. A final frame featured the iconic singer holding a diya thali.Alongside the pictures, Zanai penned an emotional note expressing her grief.“After a lot of reflection, I realise you taught us how to live, but not to live without you. You are missed every second, every hour, every minute with every breath we take, but I also know that you live within me. Till I hold you in my arms again this way.”
Since Asha Bhosle’s passing, Zanai has been sharing several posts, offering glimpses into their close relationship and expressing how deeply she misses her grandmother. During the funeral procession, she was seen breaking down while bidding her a final goodbye.Several members of the film fraternity attended the funeral to pay tribute, including Helen, Aamir Khan, Tabu, Riteish Deshmukh, Jackie Shroff and Vicky Kaushal, among others. Singers Anup Jalota, Sudesh Bhosle and Shaan also paid tribute, offering an emotional and musical farewell to the stalwart.Asha Bhosle, who passed away in her early 90s, leaves behind a remarkable legacy spanning over eight decades—one that continues to shape Indian music across generations.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated the Chennai Super Kings by 10 runs to move into the top 4. SRH defended 195 runs to get an important win at home.
Chasing 196 runs to win, CSK started off strongly with Ruturaj Gaikwad scoring a couple of early boundaries. Sanju Samson failed to score big as he was dismissed for just 7 runs. Ayush Mhatre came in at number 3 and started in his typical attacking form.
The Mexican president says there were never tension over Spainish colonisation, which had become a thorny issue.
Did we need three hours to tell this story? That was my first thought after watching the sparsely funny, slightly lazy Bhooth Bangla. Going into it, we knew that director Priyadarshan has the knack to extract the best out of Akshay Kumar. But that’s the best bit of this film. He has aced the humour. It’s silly in parts, but effectively extracts chuckles. However, the fatal flaw of this film is that it suffers from a Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) hangover.
Given that the superstar-director jodi brought to Bollywood its recent favourite fad — horror-comedy — way back in 2007 with the Vidya Balan-starrer, the expectation of recreating the same has become their biggest burden. You see similar tropes — a beautiful, forbidden bangla, local lore, Ashtami, choreographed dance pieces, a million bats, a rat running through the piano’s keys, and Rajpal Yadav parroting lines from the original. There is far too much in here that reminds you of Bhool Bhulaiyaa, mixed with a strange subplot about ritual killing.
