"Cowboy, International Khiladi": Pawan Khera Bail Hearing Gets Heated

Congress leader Pawan Khera's pre-arrest bail hearing in the Telangana High Court over a complaint filed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma turned heated on Thursday, with lawyers of both sides using phrases like "constitutional cowboys" and "international khiladi" to make their arguments before the court.

Pawan Khera, a Congress spokesperson, moved the high court after the Assam Police filed a case against him over his allegation that Sarma and his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma possessed clandestine foreign passports and overseas assets.

Based on a complaint by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, the police filed charges of forgery, cheating, criminal intimidation, conspiracy, and defamation against the Congress leader.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Pawan Khera, alleged that the FIR had been loaded with every possible charge to exert pressure on a political opponent. He argued that even if the Congress leader's statements turned out to be wrong, the case was one of defamation, and there was no reason to arrest him.

He said that the politician was ready to cooperate.

“Khera is not absconding. He is ready to cooperate. He came to this court only because he was in Hyderabad with his wife when he learnt about the FIR,” Singhvi said.

Attacking the Assam government's action, Singhvi argued: "If you start arresting people for this, it will become a jungle raj". 

"We are not living in the age of constitutional cowboys, pulling out powers from the holster and sending 100 policemen from Assam for what is essentially a defamation complaint," he added.

Responding strongly to Singhvi's arguments, Assam's Advocate General Devajit Saikia contended that his state wasn't a "banana republic". He argued that Khera should have moved a court in Assam or Delhi -- where the Congress leader resides -- instead of approaching the Telangana High Court.

Saikia called Khera an “international khiladi (player)”, saying he left the national capital before the Assam police reached his house and reached Hyderabad. He claimed foreign currency had been seized from Khera's Delhi house and that 19 cases were pending against him across the country.

Claiming that Khera was a flight risk, the lawyer stated that he didn't deserve protection from any legal action.

After hearing both sides, the Telangana High Court reserved its order for Friday.

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"Political Disaster": Israel Opposition Blasts Netanyahu Over Iran Ceasefire

Israel's opposition leaders swiftly criticised the ceasefire with Iran on Wednesday, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of failing to achieve the war's objectives.

The United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire in an 11th-hour bid to avert all-out destruction of Iran threatened by US President Donald Trump.

Netanyahu's office said Israel supported Trump's decision to suspend the bombing of Iran, but maintained the ceasefire "does not include Lebanon" where Israeli forces are fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah.

"There has never been a political disaster like this in our entire history. Israel was not even close to the table when decisions were made concerning the core of our national security," the country's main opposition leader Yair Lapid wrote on X.

"The army carried out everything that was asked of it, and the public showed remarkable resilience, but Netanyahu failed politically, failed strategically, and did not achieve any of the goals he himself set."

Netanyahu had set the elimination or at least severe degradation of Iran's nuclear programme as a central goal of the war, describing it as an "existential threat" to Israel.

He also called for the neutralising of Iran's ballistic missile capabilities, the weakening or potentially toppling of the Iranian regime and the curbing of Tehran's regional influence by targeting its network of allied groups.

"It will take us years to repair the political and strategic damage that Netanyahu caused due to arrogance, negligence, and lack of strategic planning," Lapid said.

Former premier and right-wing Netanyahu opponent, Naftali Bennett, echoed similar views.

"The leadership sold us illusions.... Tonight all their empty promises have blown up in our faces," he said on X.

"Unfortunately, every one of us can see with our own eyes that Hamas is growing stronger, and Hezbollah and Iran are still standing on their feet."

The head of the left-wing Democrats party, Yair Golan, called the ceasefire a "strategic failure" by Netanyahu.

"He promised a historic victory and security for generations, and in practice, we got one of the most severe strategic failures Israel has ever known," Golan said on X.

"It's a total failure that endangers Israel's security for years to come."

Member of parliament and opposition figure Avigdor Liberman also denounced the truce, saying it gave the Iranian regime "an opportunity to regroup".

"Any agreement with Iran that does not include renouncing the destruction of Israel, uranium enrichment, the production of ballistic missiles, and support for terrorist organisations in the region means that we will have to return to another campaign under more difficult conditions and pay a heavier price," Liberman said on X.

Even as Israel backed Trump's ceasefire plan with Iran, it said the truce did not include Lebanon.

Israel has been fighting with Hezbollah since the Lebanese armed group launched rocket fire at Israel in March after the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day of the war.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Yuvraj Reveals What Happened After Lalit Modi Offered Porsche For 6 6s

Yuvraj Singh was one of the main architects of India's domination at the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. In a team full of superstars, Yuvraj was the Player of the Tournament in both marquee events that India won under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. While Yuvraj is the holder of many feats, his six sixes against Stuart Broad at the 2007 T20 World Cup still evoke pure nostalgia. In the match at Durban, Yuvraj slammed Broad for six sixes in the 19th over, on the way to scoring a 12-ball half-century.

There is a popular story on social media that former IPL chairman Lalit Modi gifted Yuvraj Singh a car for his six sixes. Yuvraj Singh has finally revealed the actual story.

"He said to me that if someone hits six sixes, I'm going to give him a Ferrari. It just happened, and I was like, 'Where's my Ferrari?' He promised a Porsche 911, and I asked, 'Where's my Porsche?' He said, 'You will get your car.' I asked, 'What if I win the next game? Do I upgrade to a Ferrari?' He said, 'No, no, no, you will only get a Porsche.' But I actually got my car from him," Yuvraj Singh said on The Overlap Cricket.

"I got a BMW M5. He did deliver. He is a man of his word."

Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, who left India in 2010 amid allegations related to tax evasion, money laundering, and proxy ownership linked to the IPL, made a controversial remark while responding to Vaughan's post.

Yuvraj also revealed what transpired between him and Stuart Broad's father, Chris, after he hit the six sixes.

"After the fifth six, I smiled at him and said, 'We're even now, mate. The next one's for me.' His dad, Chris Broad, was the match referee. He came and told me, 'You almost finished my son's career!' He said, 'You need to sign a shirt for Stuart.' On my India shirt, I wrote to Stuart that I've been hit for five sixes, I know how it feels, and I hope you go on to become the best. Lately, I heard that when Chris gave him that shirt, he threw it in the bin!" he said.

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Axar Wins Hearts With This Gesture For Miller After Narrow Loss vs GT. Video

David Miller was visibly distraught following Delhi Capitals' (DC) narrow one-run loss to the Gujarat Titans (GT) in their IPL 2026 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. Miller, who slammed an unbeaten 41 off just 20 balls, took a massive gamble on the penultimate ball of the contest, but the decision backfired. With two runs needed off as many balls, Miller refused a single on the second-to-last ball of Prasidh Krishna's over. However, it turned out to be the defining moment of the contest as Krishna bowled a slower bouncer to beat Miller. 

Miller and Vipraj Nigam, who was at the non-striker's end, attempted to steal a quick bye, only for Jos Buttler to affect a direct hit at the striker's end to dismiss Nigam.

Miller was completely heartbroken after the result and had to be consoled by DC captain Axar Patel, who shook hands with his teammate and gave him a pat on the back.

Watch it yourself to believe it

A nerve-wrecking finish to a #TATAIPL classic @gujarat_titans fans, you can breathe now

Updates https://t.co/oOdPR1oSeP#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #DCvGT pic.twitter.com/Wh5EQvshqd

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 8, 2026

Meanwhile, DC finished agonizingly short on 209 for 8 in pursuit of 211.

Jos Buttler (52 off 27) returned to his ballistic ways with a six laden half century before captain Shubman Gill (70 off) and Washington Sundar (55 off 32) powered Gujarat Titans to 210 for four.

Rahul (92 off 52) and Pathum Nissanka (41 off 24) provided an ideal platform for Delhi Capitals with a 76-run stand off 49 balls. However, Rashid Khan struck thrice in the middle overs to wrest the momentum from Delhi Capitals.

Titans had all under control until the 19th over with the home needing 36 off the last two overs.

It was a tough ask but with Miller (41 not out off 20) returning to the centre after treating his finger in the dressing room, there was hope.

Miller singlehandedly brought back Delhi Capitals in the game with a couple of cracking sixes and a four in a 23-run penultimate over from Mohammed Siraj.

(With PTI Inputs)

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At Least 254 Killed, Over 1,100 Injured In Israeli Attack In Lebanon

Hospitals in Beirut and across Lebanon are struggling to cope with hundreds of casualties after the Israeli military launched more than 100 air strikes within a 10-minute window. According to civil defence, at least 254 people have been killed and more than 1,100 injured, with the death count expected to rise as many remain in a critical condition. Rescuers are still working to reach those reported missing or trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings.

This wave of air strikes, described as the largest since the outbreak of the war in Lebanon, began shortly after Donald Trump announced a 15-day ceasefire and negotiations with Iran aimed at finding peace in the Middle East. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Lebanon is not included in the truce.

Iran on Wednesday closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks on Lebanon, the Associated Press reported.

One of the first major strikes hit a cafe in Saida, killing eight people and injuring 22 others. In Baalbek, a funeral was hit, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 people and leaving several others injured.

Damage In Residential Areas

Most of the strikes targeted congested neighbourhoods, causing significant damage and loss of life. In several locations, rescuers and civil defence teams are working to remove debris to reach the injured. The Israel Defence Forces said 50 fighter jets participated in the operation, carrying out more than 100 strikes on Hezbollah sites. Beirut was shaken by massive explosions in areas that have traditionally been free of any Hezbollah presence or influence.

According to Iran's Tasnim news agency, Tehran has threatened to withdraw from the provisional ceasefire if Israel continues to attack Lebanon. The Pakistan Prime Minister, who mediated the ceasefire between the US and Iran, stated that Lebanon was included in the agreement and urged all parties to show restraint.

Calls For Restraint

"Violations of the ceasefire have been reported at a few places across the conflict zone, which undermine the spirit of the peace process. I earnestly and sincerely urge all parties to exercise restraint and respect the ceasefire for two weeks, as agreed upon, so that diplomacy can take a lead role towards a peaceful settlement of the conflict," Shehbaz Sharif said in a post on X.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strikes, describing them as barbaric. "Today, Israel persists once again in its aggression, committing a new massacre to add to its record, in blatant defiance of all human values, and in disregard of all efforts aimed at calming the situation and achieving stability," Aoun said in a statement.

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Amid Ramayana Teaser Criticism, Namit Malhotra Says "We're Listening Closely"

After a long wait, the teaser of Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, was released last week. The first glimpse into the world of the epic spectacle, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, led to a horde of reactions online-some positive, others not so much.

While a section trolled Ramayana, mounted on a Rs 4,000 crore budget, over VFX quality, another was just not convinced about Ranbir Kapoor playing Rama. Namit Malhotra took to social media earlier today to thank everyone for the overwhelming response, and also reiterated how they are "listening closely and working diligently."

The Post

Namit Malhotra wrote, "Dear all, the response over the past few days has truly been overwhelming, inspiring, and humbling. Seeing how our Rama continues to touch so many hearts across the world fills me with deep humility and joy. I cherish all of the conversations, the excitement, and feedback. This is a story etched in the souls of billions and deserves our utmost care."

The post continued, "The many thousands of artists and collaborators who have been working away passionately are enthusiastic and energized to get out there and continue to deliver the absolute best in every department. We're listening closely, working diligently, and pouring every effort possible into honouring it with the reverence it holds."

🕉️ pic.twitter.com/gtF7GqoiuZ

— Namit Malhotra (@malhotra_namit) April 7, 2026

"This is our Ramayana. It belongs to us all, and that shared emotion and massive responsibility to make every Indian proud is what drives me forward every single day. What you've seen so far is just the beginning. We are all striving to bring our epic to life this Diwali on the biggest screens to celebrate our culture and our history," concluded the post.

Namit Malhotra On Making Ramayana A "Culture-First" Phenomenon

"Because in the world of religion, there's too much translation and too much sensitivity. This is truly what I think is a foundational piece of Indian culture, and that's why I feel very comfortable with it, because that's something that we carry with pride. We celebrate it. We share with the world," he told Collider.com.

"As far as the business side is concerned, this question has been asked of me a few times, but bringing a film like Ramayana to the world after having been third generation in the business is a privilege, is an opportunity. So at this point in time, I'm less focused on the business side, but the passion of telling this and showing this to the world has really usurped my senses," he added.

Namit Malhotra then said, "I'm much more, at heart, trying to do the justice I can to a film or a story of this size, such that it really resonates in the hearts of people, at which point the business is done. Business will not be the issue. So, getting the first part in is really where all the time, effort, money, and energy is focused so that everything else then becomes a line of dominoes that hopefully play out as they should."

Ramayana Teaser

The teaser introduces the audience to Ranbir Kapoor's many moods as Lord Rama. From killing a monster to his exile in the forest, the two-minute, 38-second teaser shows Ranbir embracing the mythical figure with its celebrated grandeur, grace, poise, and regality.

Ramayana has been made on a staggering budget of Rs 4,000 crore.

Speaking to Prakhar Gupta, producer Namit Malhotra revealed, "When we set out to make this six or seven years ago, people thought I was a lunatic because no Indian film comes close to this scale. Put simply, the budget will be around $500 million for both parts combined, which is over Rs 4,000 crore."

Ramayana Part 1 is set to be released on Diwali 2026. The film also stars Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol, and Ravie Dubey.

ALSO READ | Ramayana's Viral 'Blue Turban Guy' Exists And Is Not AI: "Real Me, Real Ranbir Kapoor"

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"Give It Up Or Go To Jail": Trump Vows To Find F-15 "Leak", Threatens Media

The second F-15 airman had been missing for hours. Iran, according to President Donald Trump, had no idea. Then a "mole" leaked the information to the media, and a hunt began.

"They Didn't Know There Was Somebody Missing"

Speaking in the White House briefing room on Monday, Trump said a media report revealing that US forces had rescued one F-15 crew member but were still searching for a second had complicated the rescue operation by alerting Iran.

"We're looking very hard to find that leaker. They basically said that we have one, and there's somebody missing. Well, [Iran] didn't know there was somebody missing until this leaker gave the information," Trump said.

Trump said the disclosure forced the US military into a far more difficult position. "It became a much more difficult operation because a leaker leaked that we have one, we've rescued one, but there's another one out there that we're trying to get," he said.

Also read: "Entire Iran Can Be Taken Out In One Night": Trump's Warning Before Deadline

"Give It Up Or Go to Jail"

Trump said US authorities would go directly to the media organisation that published the story and demand the identity of the source, warning of prosecution if they refused. It was not immediately clear which media outlet Trump was talking about.

"We think we'll be able to find it out, because we're going to go to the media company that released it, and we're going to say, 'national security, give it up or go to jail,'" he said.

Iran Issued A Bounty After The Story Broke

Trump said after the report was published, Iran put out a public notice offering a reward for the capture of the missing pilot, which further complicated the search and rescue effort.

"The country, Iran, put out a major notice... offering a very big award for anybody that captures the pilot," Trump said.

"We have to find that leaker, because that's a sick person. Probably didn't realise the extent of how bad it was. I can't imagine that the person did, but we're going to find out. It's national security, and the person who did the story will go to jail if he doesn't say," Trump said.

Inside The US Military's Daring Rescue Op

The F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over southwestern Iran on Friday, the first confirmed loss of a US combat aircraft inside Iran since the war began on February 28. 

Both crew members, a pilot and a weapons systems officer, ejected. The pilot was rescued soon after, but the second airman could not be immediately located.

According to the New York Times, Navy SEAL Team 6 commandos carried out the rescue, with hundreds of special operations troops and other military personnel operating deep inside Iranian territory. 

US aircraft dropped bombs and opened fire on Iranian convoys to keep them away from where the airman was hiding. Commandos also fired their weapons to hold off Iranian forces as they moved in, though they did not engage in a direct firefight, the report added.

Before the airman was located, the CIA launched a deception campaign, spreading word inside Iran that US forces had already found him and were attempting a ground extraction. 

President Donald Trump said Monday that the two airmen whose fighter jet was downed over Iran are “recovering very well.”

“They are both recovering very well. They were both injured, and they're doing well,” Trump told reporters at the White House Easter Egg Roll.

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