Highlights of the day: Iran risks 'uncontrollable regional escalation', warns G7

Catch all the latest updates from across the globe here

10:34 PM

Iran risks 'uncontrollable regional escalation', warns G7

Leaders of the G7 nations condemned Iran's attack on Israel and said on Sunday that they would work to try to stabilise the situation in the Middle East.

"With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided," a statement issued by G7 president Italy said after a video conference involving the group's leaders.

9:58 PM

G7 leaders condemn Iran's attack against Israel, reaffirm commitment to Israel's security

G7 leaders condemned Iran's attack against Israel and reaffirmed the Group of Seven's commitment to Israel's security during a meeting on Sunday regarding the development, the White House said in a post on X.

9:51 PM

Lebanese Hezbollah praises Iranian attack on Israel as a 'brave' decision

Lebanese group Hezbollah on Sunday praised Iran's attack on Israel, describing it as a "brave" decision.
 

Iran-backed Hezbollah added in a statement that Iran had exercised its legal rights despite "threats, intimidation and pressure".

9:38 PM

Congress Lok Sabha polls list: Kanhaiya Kumar to contest against Manoj Tiwari in North East Delhi

Political activist Kanhaiya Kumar will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections against BJP MP against Manoj Tiwari from the North East Delhi constituency. The Congress released a fresh list of candidates on Sunday, naming 10 candidates from Punjab, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. 

8:25 PM

Iran's attack on Israel stirs admiration among Gaza Palestinians

Iran's attack on Israel drew applause from many Palestinians in Gaza on Sunday as rare payback for the Israeli offensive on their enclave, although some said they suspected Tehran had staged the assault more for show than to inflict real damage.

8:25 PM

Syria says Iran exercised 'right to self-defence' in attack on Israel

Syria on Sunday said Iran acted in self-defence with a massive overnight attack on Israel that Tehran said was in retaliation for a deadly Israeli strike on Tehran's consulate in Damascus. "Iran's response... is a legitimate right to self-defence" against Israel, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad told his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian by phone, according to a report carried by state news agency SANA.

8:25 PM

Raj Thackeray visits Salman Khan at Galaxy Apartment

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Raj Thackeray arrives at Galaxy Apartment in Mumbai to meet actor Salman Khan

8:25 PM

Today people are getting houses and there is no discrimination, says Praful Patel

On BJP poll manifesto, NCP leader Praful Patel says, "...There is no discrimination, today people are getting houses and there is no discrimination...I don't think that BJP's key policy is against any religion or community."

8:24 PM

SAD(Amritsar) names gangster-turned-activist Lakha Sidhana as candidate from Bathinda LS seat

The Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) on Sunday named gangster-turned-social activist Lakha Sidhana as its candidate from the Bathinda Lok Sabha seat.SAD (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann, who is the sitting MP from Sangrur, made the announcement here. Sidhana, who hails from Sidhana village in Bathinda district, thanked the party leadership for naming as the candidate from the Bathinda seat, currently represented by SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal.

7:38 PM

Rahul Gandhi, T'gana CM have no moral right to comment on BJP manifesto: Kishan Reddy

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy saying that they had no moral right to talk about BJP's manifesto. Addressing a press conference here, Reddy, also Telangana BJP president, said unlike other parties, the party (BJP) delivers what it promises, with a strong resolve."I am asking Rahul Gandhi and Revanth Reddy whether they have any moral right to talk about the Sakalp patra released by the BJP. Before criticising BJP, they will have to review what "guarantees" they promised during the Assembly polls and the status of their implementation in 100 days," Reddy attacked.

7:38 PM

Israel-Iran war LIVE updates: New helpline numbers started by Indian Embassy

Amid escalated tensions in the region, the Indian Embassy in Iran issued additional helpline numbers for the assistance of Indian citizens after Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones on Israel.

 

In a post on social media platform X, the Indian Embassy in Iran wrote, "Embassy of India in Tehran has activated additional helpline numbers. For any assistance, please contact the Embassy at: +989128109115; +989128109109; +989932179567; +989932179359; +98-21-88755103-5; cons.tehran@mea.gov.in"

7:36 PM

"Press lotus symbol so hard that tremors are felt in Italy": Amit Shah in Chhattisgarh

Referring to the multi-crore Mahadev betting app scam, Union Home Minister Amit Shah attacked former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Congress, saying that the country witnessed several scams committed by the Congress but none of them had been named after a god adding that keep the anger of Mahadev betting app in mind and press the lotus (BJP symbol) button with such a force that the tremors are felt till Italy.

7:29 PM

IMD alerts for rain & thunderstorms in North India

IMD has issued a rainfall and thunderstorm alert for Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, MP, and Rajasthan. The Indian Meteorological Department warns of moderate thunderstorms and rain over various areas in these regions on April 14, including Delhi and its adjoining areas.

5:30 PM

Iran says neighbours notified of attacks on Israel 72 hours in advance

Iran notified its neighbours of its retaliatory strikes on Israel 72 hours in advance, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Sunday.

"About 72 hours prior to our operations, we informed our friends and neighbours in the region that Iran's response against Israel was certain, legitimate, and irrevocable," Amirabdollahian said at a press conference.

5:27 PM

Ukraine's Zelenskiy condemns Iranian attack on Israel KYIV

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Sunday condemned Iran's drone and missile attack on Israel, calling for efforts to prevent a further escalation in Middle East conflict.

"Iran's actions threaten the entire region and the world, just as Russia's actions threaten a larger conflict, and the obvious collaboration between the two regimes in spreading terror must face a resolute and united response from the world," he wrote on social media platform X.

3:38 PM

Iran summons the British, French and German ambassadors

Iran's foreign ministry summoned on Sunday the ambassadors of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany to question what it referred to as their "irresponsible stance" regarding Tehran's retaliatory strikes on Israel, the semi-official Iranian Labour News Agency reported.

3:23 PM

BJP has an ideology and we believe in development: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on BJP's manifesto

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "BJP has an ideology and we believe in development...A transformation will happen in the lives of people in the third term of PM Modi (as the Prime Minister). This will happen in every sector as well..."
 

"In the last 10 years, seven new IITs, seven new IIMs, 20 new AIIMS have come up. New education policy has come and new institutes have been set up. 350 new universities have opened. The education system has been strengthened and efforts are being made to make it world-class," he added.

3:17 PM

Update on firing outside Salman Khan's residence

The unidentified men who opened fire are from outside Maharashtra. An empty shell has been found from inside the residence of the actor: Mumbai Crime Branch. The officials added that motorcycle of the unidentified men who opened fire outside the residence of Salman Khan was also discovered. The motorcycle is being examined by the Forensics Team.

3:17 PM

We've named BHIM UPI after Babasaheb Ambedkar, says PM Modi in MP

During a public rally in Hoshangabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated the birth anniversary of Constitution maker Babasaheb Ambedkar. In his address, PM Modi highlighted the significance of Mhow, the birthplace of Babasaheb Ambedkar, located nearby. He underscored the importance of honouring Babasaheb's legacy, particularly in contrast to the alleged neglect he faced from the Congress party. PM Modi also drew attention to the naming of BHIM UPI in tribute to Babasaheb Ambedkar, emphasising the government's acknowledgment of his contributions to India's development. "BHIM UPI which you use for digital payments, we've named it after Babasaheb Ambedkar," he said.

2:57 PM

Lok Sabha poll campaign: Home Minister Amit Shah to hold rally in Manipur tomorrow

LS polls: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to campaign in ethnic strife-torn Manipur tomorrow, besides visiting Tripura and Rajasthan to garner support for BJP candidates in the Lok Sabha polls. Shah is expected to address a rally in Imphal seeking votes for Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh, the education minister of the northeastern state who is also the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) candidate from the Inner Manipur constituency in the upcoming election.

2:42 PM

7-yr-old injured in Iran's retaliatory attack, says Israeli envoy to India

Following Iran's attack on Israel with over 300 drones and missiles, Israeli Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, said that a seven-year-old girl was hit by a shrapnel, adding that she has now been treated but is still in severe condition. Iran on Saturday attacked Israel by striking it with over hundrends of drones and missiles, in retaliation for Israel's attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria earlier this month.

2:37 PM

Kerala couple await safe return of son from cargo ship seized by Iran

Iran-Israel conflict: An elderly couple of northern Kerala district await safe return of their son onboard a seized Israel linked cargo ship in the gulf region. Shyamnath, their son, was among the 17 Indians onboard an Israeli-linked cargo ship seized by the Iranian military near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. The ship 'MSC Aries' was seized recently.

2:22 PM

AAP leaders observe Ambedkar's birth anniversary by reading out Preamble to Constitution

AAP leaders today read out the Preamble to the Constitution on the occasion of Babasaheb Ambedkar's birth anniversary. AAP party workers and leaders gathered at the party headquarters here on Rouse Avenue to take part in the "Samvidhan Bachao, Tanashahi Hatao" oath-taking ceremony. Addressing the party workers, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh said, "till the time the AAP is there, its workers will keep fighting to protect the Constitution till their last breath. The BJP wants to amend the Constitution."

2:05 PM

UK PM Rishi Sunak condemns Iran's reckless drone, missle attack against Israel

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned Iran's attack against Israel as reckless and pledged that the UK would stand up for security in the region after Tehran launched dozens of aerial drones and missiles overnight on Saturday and into Sunday morning. The UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that several additional Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter jets had been moved to the region to help intercept the drone attacks. The aircraft and air-fuelling tankers are being deployed as part of the UK's ongoing Operation Shader against the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group in the region.

1:54 PM

8 students injured as massive fire breaks out in a hostel building in Kota

A massive fire erupted in a boys' hostel building in Kota this morning, resulting in injuries to eight students. Preliminary investigations point to a short circuit as the likely cause of the blaze, according to local police. The incident occurred around 6:15 am at Landmark City.

1:47 PM

34 injured as HRTC bus collided into a hill in Himachal's Hamirpur

Thirty-four people were injured in Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus accident today at Tiale Da Ghat near Bhota Kaswa, about 16 km from Hamirpur. According to police, a car suddenly came in front of the bus while overtaking a sharp turn near Tiale Da Ghat. To save the car, the driver turned the bus towards the left and collided into a hill resulting in the accident. The officials said the Hamirpur-Vrindaban bound bus was carrying about 50 passengers, of which nine people, including the driver, sustained serious injuries and are undergoing treatment at Hamirpur Medical College.

1:07 PM

India likely to suspend flight operations to Israel amid escalating Iran-Israel conflict

Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, Indian airline companies are likely to announce the suspension of flight operations to and from Tel Aviv, Israel. The heightened conflict saw Iran and its proxies launching over 300 projectiles, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, at Israel from various locations such as Yemen, Syria, and Iraq on Saturday night. An official announcement regarding the suspension of flight operations to and from Israel will be made, following the unfolding situation.

12:28 PM

If even after 10 yrs of governance, 83% of youth are unemployed then what is the guarantee: AAP

Critisicing BJP's election manifesto, AAP leader & Delhi Minister Gopal Rai said that 'BJP was given a chance to run the government in this country for 10 years and all the major promises made by BJP and the Prime Minister proved to be a failure.' Rai further stated that the youth today ask only one thing, which is, 'what happened to our employment.'

12:01 PM

Lok Sabha polls: PM Modi to hold election rallies in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold public rallies in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka today to garner support for the BJP ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The public gathering in MP's Narmadapuram district is slated to begin around 12:45 pm and will focus on four parliamentary seats in the state: Hoshangabad, Betul, Chhindwara, and Mandla. Moving to Karnataka, a public meeting is scheduled in Mysuru at approximately 5:00 pm, followed by a roadshow Mangaluru.

11:22 AM

Goods train between Iran to Pakistan derails near restive Balochistan, rails operations suspended

A goods train carrying chemicals from the Iranian border town of Taftan to Pakistan derailed in the restive Balochistan province on Saturday, prompting authorities to suspend the rail operations between the two nations. The accident happened near the Tozgi station in Balochistan. 'We are not ruling out a terrorist attack," Pakistan Railways spokesperson Amir Baloch said while speaking to media. The derailment of the cargo train carrying phosphorus and other chemicals from Iran to Pakistan has caused significant damage to the locomotive, the officials said.