In the IPL 2026 match against Gujarat Titans (GT), Delhi Capitals (DC) suffered a loss by one wicket at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
During the match, star batsman David Miller refused to take a single, which in turn cost DC the match.
Later, needing two off two to reach 211, Miller refused a single off Prasidh Krishna on the penultimate ball. He missed the final delivery but ran for a single. However, Kuldeep Yadav, from the other end, was unable to beat Jos Buttler`s direct throw after the two batters had crossed over.
The former Team India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar defended Miller by saying that the left-handed batsman should not be blamed for his intent as he backed himself, believing that he could win the match for the Capitals.
“David Miller was backing himself, he had been striking the ball well and believed he could finish it. You can`t fault that intent. In the end, it also came down to execution, Prasidh Krishna bowled a superb slower bouncer at the right height, which made it difficult. These are very fine margins in pressure situations,” he told JioStar.
IPL 2026, Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals: Match summary
Batting first, the Titans posted a total of 210 runs for the loss of four wickets in 20 overs. Skipper Gill delivered a knock of 70 runs off 45 balls, including four boundaries and five maximums.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler accumulated 52 runs in just 27 balls, with the help of three boundaries and five maximums. Later, facing 32 balls, Washington Sundar registered 55 runs, laced with six boundaries and two maximums.
In the second essay of the game, with an attempt to chase the target, DC`s Pathum Nissanka scored 41 runs in 24 balls, with the help of six boundaries and a maximum. Wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul played a stupendous knock of 92 runs. In his 52-ball knock, he smashed 11 boundaries and four maximums.
David Miller smashed an unbeaten 41 runs, but fell short of taking his side home.
GT`s star spinner Rashid Khan returned with the figures of three wickets for 17 runs in four overs.
The Titans will now travel to Lucknow to lock horns with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground on April 12. On the other hand, the Capitals will clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 11 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Anant Ambani ushered in his 31st birthday on April 10 in grand style, hosting a lavish celebration in Jamnagar. As midnight struck, the billionaire scion was flooded with warm wishes from across the film fraternity, with Bollywood superstars Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan leading the charge, showering the birthday boy with warmth, love, and good wishes.
Anant Ambani turned 31 on April 10.
Shah Rukh, Salman send birthday love to Anant Ambani
Salman took to his Instagram handle to share some candid happy pictures with Anant, calling him his younger brother. One image shows Salman showering affection on Anant as the two share a playful, tight embrace. Salman is seen dressed casually in a black shirt and denims. He is seen leaning in for a warm hug, while Anant breaks into a wide smile, eyes closed.
Posting the images, Salman wrote, “Happy birthday to the most selfless, kindest human and an inspiration to many … my younger brother Anant.”
Shah Rukh took to Instagram Stories to send good wishes to Anant, writing, “Here’s wishing Anant Ambani a very happy birthday… May you continue to do all the good u do..and uphold all that is positive and right. Keep up the good work and keep bringing smiles to people thru your work. God Bless you with the best of health and happiness always.”
Ranveer Singh also used his Instagram handle to wish Anant on his birthday. Ranveer posted a goofy picture with Anant, and wrote, “Happy birthday bhai (kiss emoji).”
Actor Sanjay Dutt also shared a picture with Anant while wishing him. He wrote, “Anant my brother, you are the kindest and the sweetest brother anyone can have. I pray to Mahadev that you stay in the best of health and be successful in all your ventures. Stay happy always and be the same loving brother you are to me. Happy birthday, God bless you! Har Har Mahadev.”
Anant Ambani turns 31
Anant Ambani turned 31 on April 10. Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani, is celebrating his birthday in Jamnagar. Several prominent Bollywood celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh and Sanjay Dutt, have also joined the Ambani family in Jamnagar for the grand occasion.
Meanwhile, the Reliance Industries Limited scion has announced a series of philanthropic initiatives ahead of the occasion. According to news agency ANI, contributions worth ₹18 crore have been earmarked for temple infrastructure and animal welfare in Kerala. This includes donations to the Rajrajeshwaram Temple and Guruvayur Temple, as well as a commitment towards restoring the historic East Gopuram at Rajrajeshwaram.
In Gujarat, additional initiatives have been planned, including the construction of a Yatri Bhavan in Dwarka, installation of escalators at Dwarka Shardapeeth, and a year-long bhojan prasad seva at Ambaji Temple aimed at serving lakhs of devotees.
Further plans include upgrades to educational infrastructure, establishment of gaushalas, community feasts, and welfare measures for workers and rural communities around Jamnagar.
For the longest time, I believed all air conditioners did the same basic job, cooling a room when it gets too hot. I never paid attention to terms like inverter AC and non-inverter AC as they seemed very technical and honestly, unnecessary. But when my old AC started increasing my electricity bills and failing to cool the room evenly, I realized I needed to understand the difference before buying a new one.
Inverter AC vs Non-Inverter AC: Which one is right for you?
Aishwarya is your guide to transforming your home, especially your kitchen, into the smartest and most efficient space on the block. If you ever find yourself wondering which air fryer actually delivers the perfect crisp, whether the new-age water purifier is worth the hype, or how to make your refrigerator work smarter (not harder), then she’s the one to turn to. For over five years, Aishwarya has delved deep into the world of home and kitchen tech and reviewed everything from air fryers and microwaves to chimneys and water purifiers. Their approach is simple: eliminate the jargon, highlight real innovation, and shine a light on budget-friendly solutions without compromising quality. His column is where new launches meet honest opinions. There’s no sugarcoating it and no fancy marketing spin. Each review comes from real, practical experience, providing readers with the unfiltered truth, good or bad (sometimes brutal). A big believer in viral “how-to” hacks, Aishwarya loves sharing appliance hacks like microwave-cleaning tricks that involve one lemon and absolutely zero scrubbing, fridge-care tips (when sometimes you just need to defrost) that save you the hassle, and everything in between. She does her best to make home technology feel less cumbersome and more enjoyable.
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That’s when I started comparing the two and found that the choice is not as easy as it seems. From pricing and energy efficiency to cooling consistency and noise levels, inverter and non-inverter ACs are designed very differently. What started as a routine appliance upgrade soon turned into a learning experience that changed the way I think about buying an air conditioner, especially when long-term savings matter as much as home comfort.
Why does everyone need to understand the difference?
Air conditioners are no longer an occasional luxury appliance. In many homes, they now run for six to ten hours a day during the peak summer months. As temperatures rise and urban heat increases, AC usage patterns have changed dramatically.
This change makes efficiency more important than just upfront cost.
According to recent consumer energy comparisons, inverter ACs are increasingly being preferred as they can save about 30-50 percent more power than comparable non-inverter models under long-term usage conditions.
For buyers, this changes the math completely: A cheaper AC is not always a cheaper AC over time.
Main technology differences: what I needed to understand first
The most important discovery in my research was this:
Non-inverter AC:
A non-inverter AC uses a fixed speed compressor. It runs at full power until the room reaches its target temperature, then turns off completely. When the room warms up again, it turns on at full speed.
That means:
Repeat cycling on/off
Higher startup power spikes
More noticeable temperature fluctuations
Top Non-Inverter ACs to Buy on Amazon
Inverter AC:
An inverter AC uses a variable-speed compressor. Instead of shutting off repeatedly, it slows down or speeds up depending on the cooling demand.
That means:
stable room temperature
less energy wastage
low compressor stress over time
Top Inverter ACs to Buy on Amazon
This single mechanical difference explains almost every other performance difference between the two.
Power consumption: where the biggest difference is seen
This is where my research became most revealing. When a compressor is repeatedly started from zero, it draws a surge of power each time. Non-inverter ACs do this constantly.
Inverter ACs avoid that wastage by slowly controlling the compressor speed. Compared to the real world, inverter ACs consistently consume less power during prolonged daily use, especially in climates where ACs run continuously for hours. In Indian conditions, this can translate into noticeable monthly savings, especially in cities where electricity rates are high.
To understand better, here is an example.
If an AC runs 8 hours a day, a non-inverter unit may cost less initially. But in 3-5 summers, the higher electricity bill may outweigh the upfront savings. This was the point where I stopped looking at inverter ACs as “expensive” and started looking at them as long-term investments.
Cool Experience: Comfort Like Never Before
Before this research, I assumed cooling was cooling. It’s not like that.
Non-inverter ACs cool in cycles:
Cold → Shutdown → Hot → Restart → Cold again
This creates subtle but noticeable temperature changes.
Inverter ACs maintain stable cooling as they keep running at adjusted speeds instead of shutting down completely.
It matters more than expected:
bedroom during sleep
home office
Places used for long uninterrupted hours
The difference is less dramatic over short periods of use, but very noticeable in an all-night cooldown.
Noise levels: an overlooked factor
One area I didn’t consider at all was sound. Every time a non-inverter compressor turns on, there is an audible mechanical boom. With repeated cycles, it produces more noticeable noise. Inverter compressors operate more smoothly because they avoid sudden restarts.
This makes inverter AC:
quiet at night
Less disruptive in small rooms
Better for noise-sensitive users
This may seem minor on paper, but in practice, the quiet operation contributes significantly to perceived comfort.
Upfront Cost vs. Lifecycle Cost
The biggest reason why many buyers choose non-inverter ACs is their low upfront cost. At first glance, the difference in price may be reassuring – non-inverter models are generally more affordable at the time of purchase, making them attractive to families working within a certain budget. Comparatively, inverter ACs usually come with a higher starting price due to their more advanced compressor technology and energy-efficient design.
However, what became clear during my research is that the purchase price tells only part of the story. A more meaningful way to compare these two options is the total amount spent over several years including the lifecycle cost, original purchase price, monthly electricity bill and maintenance expenses.
A non-inverter AC may seem economical on the first day, but its high power consumption can gradually increase operating costs, especially in homes where the AC runs for long periods of time every day. In contrast, an inverter AC often begins to recover its additional upfront cost through lower electricity bills over time. In many cases, depending on usage patterns, the price difference can reduce significantly within three to five years.
This was one of the most important findings from my comparison: a cheaper AC at the time of purchase will not necessarily remain a cheaper option in the long run.
Inverter AC vs Non-Inverter AC: Maintenance and Repair
One important difference I found is that inverter ACs, while more energy-efficient, can be expensive to repair due to their advanced technology. They rely on sophisticated electronic parts such as variable-speed compressors and control boards, which can require specialized technicians and costly replacements if damaged.
Non-inverter ACs use simpler mechanical systems, making them easier and often cheaper to repair in many markets. Spare parts are also more widely available, which can reduce servicing costs. However, inverter ACs may suffer less compressor wear over time because they avoid frequent restarts.
The bottom line is that inverter ACs offer long-term efficiency, while non-inverter models appeal more to buyers who prefer simple, low-cost maintenance and easy repairs.
Inverter AC vs Non-inverter AC: Common Myths
Inverter ACs cool less powerfully: False. Cooling capacity depends on tonnage and design – not whether it is inverter or non-inverter.
Non-inverter ACs are obsolete: This is not true. They still make sense for limited or occasional use.
Inverter ACs are only suitable for big houses: This is also wrong. Even users with smaller rooms benefit if the usage hours are long enough.
Which AC is right for you: Inverter AC or Non-Inverter AC
When to buy inverter AC:
You use AC daily for a long time
electricity savings matter
You want cool, steady coolness
You plan to keep the AC for years
When to buy non-inverter AC:
Use is occasional or seasonal
advance budget is tight
You want simple repair systems
AC is for guest rooms or low usage areas
I started this comparison thinking that inverter vs non-inverter is a minor technical difference. Little did I know that this is the most important decision that affects your AC’s performance over time.
If your priority is low long-term electricity costs, consistent comfort and quiet operation, inverter ACs are generally a better choice. If you want a low purchase price and occasional use, non-inverter ACs still have clear value.
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Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has praised Ranveer Singh for the widespread acclaim he is receiving for his dedication to the craft following Dhurandhar. However, Anurag pointed out that this level of commitment is nothing new for the actor and recalled an incident when he clipped his stomach for a scene in Lootera.
At the moment, Ranveer Singh is getting plaudits for his performance in Dhurandhar films.
Anurag on Ranveer
Anurag, who produced Ranveer’s Lootera, which also featured Sonakshi Sinha, spoke about Ranveer, lauding his dedication to the craft during a conversation with Miss Malini.
“We are hearing stories about Dhurandhar and how he and Arjun Rampal injured and hurt each other. So, that’s how far they went for the role, and the film got amazing numbers, right? But Ranveer Singh, in his second film Lootera, when he gets shot in the climax and to feel that right feeling, he took a clip without telling anyone and clipped himself on the stomach,” Anurag said.
The director added, “He went so far as an actor to create that, we had to take him to the hospital. The film didn’t do the numbers of Dhurandhar, but it’s that man’s conviction. He didn’t share his pain with anyone. Nobody came to know till he couldn’t move.”
Ranveer’s career high
At the moment, Ranveer has tasted success with Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar, which was released in theatres in December and grossed over ₹1300 crore worldwide. The sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, was released on March 19 and has crossed the ₹1600 crore mark worldwide. The film, directed by Aditya Dhar, also stars R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, and Arjun Rampal.
The sequel delves into the origins of Ranveer Singh’s character, Hamza aka Jaskirat Singh Rangi, revealing the motivations behind his mission. It also takes the story forward, showing him taking control of the power dynamics in Lyari while working to dismantle a terror network in Pakistan that threatens India.
About Anurag Kashyap
Anurag is known for his films like Gangs of Wasseypur, which has attained cult status among film buffs. His last directorial releases were Kennedy and Nishaanchi. After being screened at the MAMI Film Festival in 2023, Kennedy, the noir thriller finally released in India on Zee5 on February 20, 2026. Kennedy is a thriller with Rahul Bhat in the titular role, alongside Sunny Leone. The film follows a cop who is presumed dead and now works as a hitman for a corrupt senior police officer.
Meanwhile, Anurag is looking forward to his acting debut in Telugu with Dacoit, which stars Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur.
Lucknow Super Giants unearthed a new hero in debutant Mukul Choudhary, who single-handedly scripted a stunning last-ball win over Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026. Earlier, Choudhary had revealed that Indian great MS Dhoni remains his biggest inspiration.Chasing a challenging target of 182, LSG looked out of contention at one stage. However, Choudhary’s fearless approach and composure under pressure turned the game around. The young batter smashed an unbeaten 54 off just 27 balls, sealing the win in dramatic fashion and announcing his arrival on the big stage.Earlier, in an interaction with JioHotstar, Choudhary had revealed his admiration for MS Dhoni, calling the former India captain his biggest inspiration.“Main hamesha MS Dhoni sir ko hi dekhta hoon, kyunki main khud bhi wicketkeeper tha. Unka helicopter shot mujhe bahut pasand hai, especially 2011 World Cup mein jo unhone khela. Wahi sab yaad rehta hai. Woh mere role model rahe hain. Main bhi unki tarah finisher banna chahta hoon, game khatam karna chahta hoon.”(Translation: “I have always looked up to MS Dhoni sir because I was also a wicketkeeper. I love his helicopter shot, especially from the 2011 World Cup. Those moments stay with me. He has been my role model. I want to become a finisher like him and close games.”)Reflecting on his journey after being named Player of the Match, Choudhary spoke about the struggles he overcame to reach this stage.“My journey actually started even before I was born. My father had a dream that one day his son would play cricket. But back then, our financial condition wasn’t strong, so I couldn’t start early.”He added, “I began playing at around 12–13 years of age. There weren’t many academies at that time. One academy, SBC Cricket Academy, had just opened, and I trained there for about 5-6 years.”Summing up his fearless style, he said, “Since childhood, I’ve always played attacking cricket. I’ve always been someone who hits.”
Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur’s action thriller ‘Dacoit’ has garnered mixed Twitter reviews, praised for its technical brilliance and gripping sequences but criticized for screenplay inconsistencies. Natural Star Nani lauded it as a ‘True BLOCKBUSTER.’ While performances and visuals impressed, story pacing and predictability divided audiences, raising questions about its box office potential.
Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur starrer actioner ‘Dacoit’ has opened to mixed reactions on Twitter. While many viewers praised its technical brilliance and gripping sequences, others felt the screenplay lacked consistency. Directed by Shaneil Deo, the bilingual action thriller is being called a passion project for Adivi Sesh.Early Twitter reviews show the film impressed with its making but divided opinions on its story and pacing.
Nani’s strong praise
Natural Star Nani gave a glowing review after watching Dacoit. He wrote, “True BLOCKBUSTER with all heart. #DACOIT WHAT A FILM! Just don’t miss this theatrical experience. @AdiviSesh was fantastic and it is his best till date. Sesh to you and Abburi Ravi gaaru and everyone in the writing and screenplay department. @mrunal0801 how beautifully you have immersed in to this one. One more feather in your hat. #Supriya it’s amazing how you pulled off one of the best films of the year. Full power to you rockstar. Beautifully directed, terrific score, amazing visuals. Big congratulations to the team.”
Praise for technical aspects in ‘Dacoit’
Many viewers appreciated the film’s strong technical work. One tweet read, “The film is technically sound and that is its biggest strength.”While the technical side received praise, the story and screenplay drew mixed responses. One user wrote, “#Dacoit An average action love story that is technically strong, but the screenplay only works in parts.”Another tweet said, “Dacoit doesn’t live up to its title… The first half stands out with solid making… while the interval block feels fairly routine.” Some felt certain twists were over the top and predictable.
Performances of Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur
Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur’s performances received decent appreciation. One review noted, “Adivi Sesh performs aptly in his role… Mrunal is decent.”Supporting actors like Anurag Kashyap, Atul Kulkarni, Sunil, and Zayn Marie Khan are said to have played their part well. Though some felt a few characters did not make a strong impact.
Overall audience reaction
Overall, Twitter reactions call ‘Dacoit’ a technically strong film that offers an engaging watch with lowered expectations. One user summed it up as, “Watch it with the right expectations.”While the screenplay and certain portions drew criticism, the film’s technical excellence and sincere performances found many takers.Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur’s performance seems to be the main highlight of this actioner and with these mixed reviews, it seems doubtful whether ‘Dacoit’ will pull strong box office numbers as expected.
Mukul Choudhary produced one of the standout finishes of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, revealing that a simple piece of advice from his captain Rishabh Pant played a key role in his match-winning knock for Lucknow Super Giants against Kolkata Knight Riders. The young finisher credited Pant for helping him clear his mind at a crucial stage in his development.
With LSG staring at defeat in a tricky chase of 182, Mukul turned the game on its head with a fearless display of power-hitting. Speaking after the match, he explained how Pant’s words helped him stay calm and trust his instincts.
“The main thing is calmness. Over the last one or two years, earlier I used to rush a bit, but in the past few months, I’ve worked on this in practice, that I want to bat as long as possible. If I take the game till the end, I believe I can win it for my team,” Mukul said at the post-match press conference.
“Even in the last match, I played 4 to 5 balls, I didn’t get out, but I wasn’t timing it well. So I spoke to Rishabh bhai. He told me that I was overthinking, thinking I will do this, I will do that. He said don’t think so much. Just focus on your job, your process, what you’ve always done. If you overthink, you’ll feel pressure. Watch the ball. When you hit it, you hit it well. I believe in you, but you need to believe in yourself too,” he added.
He followed it up with another attacking over against Kartik Tyagi, once again clearing the ropes twice to keep LSG in the contest. By then, the equation had started to tilt.
The decisive blow came in the 19th over against Cameron Green, where Mukul smashed two sixes and a boundary, effectively bringing the target within reach. Heading into the final over, he kept his composure intact and finished the job in style, launching two more sixes to seal the win and bring up a memorable half-century.
First Lady of the United States Melania Trump gave a surprise speech Jeffrey Epstein On Thursday. President’s wife donald trump She clarified the rumors that Epstein introduced her to Trump, and also spoke at length about her relationship with the late convicted child sex offender and his partner. Ghislaine Maxwell.
US First Lady Melania Trump delivers remarks in respect to late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein from the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington, DC (Reuters)
Melania clearly stated that she did not know any of them and that their correspondence was based on mere courtesy. However, the timing of the speech surprised many. There was a massive uproar when the Justice Department released the final batch of Epstein files. However since then, a lot has happened in the world – including the US war with Iran – which meant the focus was elsewhere.
Thus, Melania’s decision to publicly reveal the Epstein files reportedly took people at the White House by surprise. CNN’s Kristen Holmes noted “Some White House officials were stunned by the timing of the first lady’s comments, leading to rumors that she was trying to get ahead of something.”
The senior White House correspondent said, “An official said there was disagreement among people close to Melania Trump over whether to continue with the comments, noting that the story had died down. But stories linking the first lady to Epstein were still circulating online, and Melania Trump wanted to go on the record with a firm denial, the official said.
Trump also said he knew ‘nothing’ about his wife’s plans to speak out on the Epstein files. Thus, the suddenness of this move has given rise to many theories online. They appear to revolve around two individuals, Amanda Ungaro and former Attorney General Pam Bondi. Here’s everything you need to know.
What to know about Amanda Ungaro’s theory
A post on X claims that Melania may have chosen to speak because of what Amanda Ungaro wanted to say. For their part, a profile going by the same name first appeared on an archived page of Melania as FLOTUS.
“Hello Melania, I was around you for 20 years. You knew I was inside ICE, and you know what hurts after all that time?” “I stayed close to your family — your mother and your father — not because of you, but because of them, at events and everything else,” Ungaro said. The profile released by Ungaro then added, “So keep your mouth shut when you speak about me. Because I will expose everything you know.”
One person shared Ungaro’s comments and said, “This may be the reason why Melania came in front of the cameras today. @AmandaUngaroA has no BS and I’m here for it. I’m here to help, Amanda!”.
Ungaro’s alleged reference to ICE comes as Paolo Zampolli reportedly reached out to the federal agency to check if his ex-girlfriend could be detained. Zampolli is the modeling agent credited with bringing Melania to America and she met Trump at one of his parties, and they eventually married.
Zampolli was accused of allegedly using influence with Trump to deport Ungaro and his son. The Brazilian model has also been linked to the Epstein scandal and is known to have flown in his own plane when she was a teenager. Ungaro met Zampoli when she was 17 and he was 32. Their relationship lasted for two decades and they have a 16-year-old son. After their relationship broke up in 2023, Ungaro reportedly moved to Brazil and married a doctor.
Although Ungaro and Melania may have moved in the same circles, there is nothing to indicate that the profile posts inspired the first lady’s actions. HT.com could not confirm the authenticity of Amanda Ungaro’s profile.
What to know about the Pam Bondi principle?
One theory suggested that Bondy may have been willing to reveal secrets to Congress, leading to Melania’s statement. Notably, Trump’s attorney general stepped down amid criticism over his handling of the Epstein files.
A self-described Canadian journalist wrote, “Pam Bondi is furious at Trump for firing her, and plans to tell Congress everything. Grab your popcorn.”
The self-describing author followed, Saying “It’s coming. A bombshell report about Melania Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, stay tuned.”
However, his claim to have revealed everything about Bondi to Congress is false. There are no reports to support the claim and Grok fact-checked it Saying “No, there is no evidence for that claim. Pam Bondi was fired by Trump as AG on April 2, after nearly 14 months. NYT and Daily Beast reports say she became emotional, begged to stay until the summer for a “grand exit” and became frustrated — but no source shows she was “furious” or planning to ‘tell Congress all.'”
Groke added, “Instead, she is avoiding a subpoena for her April 14 House oversight deposition on the Epstein files. The DOJ says the subpoena was only in her official capacity, so she won’t attend (according to BBC, NYT, NBC, Reuters). Democrats are threatening contempt if she doesn’t attend. The original post looks like speculation from online conversations, not facts.”
Why did Melania Trump give the Epstein address?
FLOTUS released a statement following his address on Epstein.
It explained why Melania felt the need to speak out on the matter.
“The lies linking me to the abusive Jeffrey Epstein need to end today.
The person lying about me is devoid of moral standards, humility and respect. I don’t object to their ignorance, but I do reject their poor attempts to tarnish my reputation.
I was never friends with Epstein. Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time, as overlapping social circles are common in New York City and Palm Beach.
To be clear, I never had any association with Epstein or his partner Maxwell. My email reply to Maxwell cannot be classified as anything more than casual correspondence. My polite reply to his email is nothing more than a trivial note.
I am not a victim of Epstein. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance in 1998 at a party in New York City. This initial meeting with my husband is documented in detail in my book, Melania.
I first met Epstein in 2000, when Donald and I attended an event together. At the time, I had never met Epstein and had no knowledge of his criminal enterprises,” the statement said.
It said, “Many false images and statements about Epstein and me have been circulating on social media for years. Be careful what you believe. These images and stories are completely false.”
I am not a witness or named witness in connection with any of Epstein’s crimes. My name has never appeared in court documents, depositions, victim statements or FBI interviews related to the Epstein case.
I never found any information about Epstein’s abuse of his victims. I was never involved in any capacity, I was not a participant, I was never on Epstein’s plane, and never went to his private island.”
Melania added, “I have never been legally charged or convicted of a crime in connection with Epstein’s sex trafficking, abuse of minors, and other despicable behavior.
The false rumors being spread about me by nefarious and politically motivated individuals and institutions, who want to damage my good name to benefit financially and advance politically, must stop.”
“My lawyers and I have fought with success against these baseless and baseless lies and will continue to maintain our good reputation without hesitation. To date, several individuals and companies have been legally obliged to publicly apologize and retract their lies about me, such as The Daily Beast, James Carville, and HarperCollins UK,” he also said.
Melania continued, “Now is the time for Congress to take action. Epstein was not alone. Several prominent male executives resigned from their powerful positions after this case became widely politicized. Of course, this does not amount to a crime, but we must still work openly and transparently to uncover the truth.
I call on Congress to provide the women abused by Epstein with a public hearing focused specifically on survivors. Give these victims the opportunity to testify under oath before Congress, with the power of sworn testimony. Every woman should have her day to tell her story publicly, if she wishes, and then her testimony should be permanently recorded in the Congressional Record. Then, and only then, will we have the truth.
Washington and Tehran accuse each other of not honouring truce agreement.
Published On 10 Apr 202610 Apr 2026
Shipping remains at a standstill in the Strait of Hormuz despite the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, dampening hopes for a resolution to one of the worst global energy disruptions in history.
Only a handful of vessels have transited the critical strait since Washington and Tehran on Tuesday announced a two-week pause in fighting, according to ship tracking data.
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Five vessels crossed the strait on Wednesday, down from 11 the previous day, and seven transited on Thursday, according to data from market intelligence firm Kpler.
More than 600 vessels, including 325 tankers, are still stranded in the Gulf due to the blockage of the strait, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence.
“While some vessel movement has resumed, traffic remains very limited, compliant shipowners are likely to stay cautious, and safe transit capacity is expected to remain constrained at maximum 10–15 passages a day if the ceasefire holds, without consideration of tolls applied,” Kpler trade risk analyst Ana Subasic said in an analysis on Thursday.
The waterway, which usually carries about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, typically handled about 120-140 transits before the US and Israel launched their attacks on Iran on February 28.
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump accused Iran of failing to live up to its part of the ceasefire agreement, which includes a commitment to allow “safe passage” through the waterway for two weeks.
“Iran is doing a very poor job, dishonorable some would say, of allowing Oil to go through the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
“That is not the agreement we have!”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi earlier accused the US of not honouring the deal, warning, in reference to Israel’s ongoing attacks on Lebanon, that it had to choose between a ceasefire or “continued war” via its ally.
“The world sees the massacres in Lebanon,” Araghchi said in a post on social media.
“The ball is in the US court, and the world is watching whether it will act on its commitments.”
After plummeting on the back of the ceasefire announcement, oil prices have begun to tick up as markets digest the reality that maritime traffic remains effectively halted despite the truce.
“This moment requires clarity. So let’s be clear: the Strait of Hormuz is not open,” Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the CEO of the United Arab Emirates’ state-run oil company, ADNOC, said in a social media post on Thursday.
“Access is being restricted, conditioned and controlled. Iran has made clear – through both its statements and actions – that passage is subject to permission, conditions and political leverage. That is not freedom of navigation. That is coercion.”
Brent crude, the international benchmark, stood at $96.39 as of 02:00 GMT on Friday, after falling below $95 a barrel on Wednesday.
Asia’s main stock markets opened higher on Friday, following overnight gains on Wall Street driven by hopes of a resolution to the war.
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 was up 1.8 percent in early trading, while South Korea’s KOSPI and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index were up about 2 percent and 1 percent, respectively.
Fans awaiting a collaboration between Shah Rukh Khan and Rajinikanth may have to wait longer, as the former has reportedly declined a cameo in ‘Jailer 2’. Sources say SRK is prioritising ‘King’, which marks his daughter Suhana Khan’s big-screen debut. “The makers were keen to have Shah Rukh Khan onboard for a five-day cameo, and he was absolutely open to the idea. However, his current focus remains firmly on ‘King’, which holds immense importance for him,” a source told Pinkvilla. “In a respectful conversation with the team, SRK expressed his willingness to do the cameo while requesting that the release of ‘Jailer 2’ could be aligned post ‘King’, as he wanted his appearance to remain exclusive to that film, but that was not possible,” the source added.
Cameo buzz
Reports of Shah Rukh Khan’s cameo in ‘Jailer 2’ first surfaced around June 2025, sparking excitement among fans. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, the sequel of ‘Jailer’ (2023) continues the story of a formidable former jailer, played by Rajinikanth, who is drawn into a high-stakes world of crime, justice, and revenge.
Extreme on-set stunts
Anurag Kashyap. Pic/Ashish Raje
Stories of extreme on-set dedication around Ranveer Singh have resurfaced amid chatter about injuries during Dhurandhar: The Revenge. While reports claim he and Arjun Rampal “hurt each other” while filming intense scenes, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recalled an incident from Lootera (2013). “When he gets shot in the climax and to give it the right feeling, he took a clip without telling anyone and clipped himself. He kept it hidden, he did not share his pain with anyone, nobody came to know till he could not move anymore,” the producer said in an interview with Miss Malini, adding that Ranveer had to be airlifted to the hospital.
Ranveer Singh in ‘Dhurandhar’. Pic/Youtube
‘Starting all over again’
Tamannaah Bhatia. Pic/Instagram
Actor Tamannaah Bhatia said she feels “like I’m starting off all over again” even after 21 years in the industry, as she spoke at an event in New Delhi. “Not many actors, and maybe more so female actors, get this sort of an opportunity,” she said, expressing excitement about her upcoming releases, including Vvan. Reflecting on audience response, she added, “The warmth I’m getting from all parts of India is really exciting and humbling.”
Charming chashmish
Salman Khan. Pic/Yogen Shah
Superstar Salman Khan has sparked nostalgia with his charming, retro-inspired look, sporting spectacles during a recent airport appearance in Mumbai as he headed to Jamnagar, Gujarat. As soon as his pictures surfaced on social media, fans were quick to react, with one writing, “Hand him a pen and paper, and that’s Sameer from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam [1999] all over again.” Others added, “Bhai’s old look is back. He looks in form (sic).” On the work front, Salman’s Maatrubhumi (eariler called Battle of Galwan), directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is set to arrive in cinemas soon, this year.