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6 Apr 2026


Delhi on alert after bomb threat email

Red Fort, Assembly searched after anonymous email; nothing found

A bomb threat email targeting two of the most sensitive locations in the national capital, the Delhi Assembly and the Red Fort, led to a massive security operation on Monday. The anonymous message claimed that explosives had been planted at the sites and referred to a Khalistani organisation, prompting authorities to immediately step up security and launch thorough searches.

Officials said the email was received by the concerned authorities in the morning, after which Delhi Police alerted all security agencies. Bomb disposal squads, dog squads, fire tenders and special security teams were deployed at both locations. Entry and exit points were regulated and the premises were sanitised as a precaution.

The Red Fort, a high-security heritage monument with heavy tourist movement, was extensively checked as security personnel carried out anti-sabotage drills across the complex. A similar operation was conducted at the Delhi Assembly, where every section of the building and its surroundings was searched in a systematic manner.

After several hours of scanning, police confirmed that no explosives or suspicious objects were found and the threat appeared to be a hoax. However, officials said the warning was taken seriously because of the reference to a Khalistani group and the strategic importance of the targeted sites.

Cyber experts and investigative agencies have begun efforts to trace the origin of the email. Technical teams are analysing digital footprints, including the IP address and server details, to identify the sender and determine whether the message had any real link to the organisation mentioned.

Security has been heightened across key government buildings and important installations in Delhi following the incident. Authorities said strict legal action will be taken once the person responsible for sending the threat is identified.

Also Read: PM Modi hails AI Summit as global milestone

PM Modi hails AI Summit as global milestone

New Delhi Declaration adopted by 80+ nations. India’s leadership in ethical AI gains global recognition

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed the AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi a defining moment for the world’s technology roadmap, saying more than 80 countries endorsing the New Delhi Declaration reflects strong global confidence in India’s vision for artificial intelligence.

Addressing the nation during Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said the summit brought together heads of state, policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and startups to deliberate on the future of AI and its responsible use. He noted that the wide participation and the adoption of a common declaration marked a major step towards global cooperation in emerging technologies.

The summit, hosted at Bharat Mandapam, concluded with the New Delhi Declaration being adopted by over 80 nations and international organisations. The document emphasises human-centric and ethical AI, transparency in algorithms, inclusive growth, and bridging the digital divide so that developing countries can equally benefit from the technology.

Highlighting India’s achievements, he said the country showcased several “Made-in-India” AI models and practical applications across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education and governance. These innovations, he said, demonstrate how artificial intelligence can be used to address real-life challenges and improve service delivery.

The Prime Minister highlighted the role of India’s youth, vibrant startup ecosystem and expanding digital public infrastructure in driving the next phase of AI growth. He called for continuous experimentation, research and a strong commitment to ethical practices while developing new technologies.

The event also positioned India as a leading voice of the Global South in the global AI dialogue, with its focus on affordability, accessibility and technology for social good. According to Modi, the appreciation received from participating countries is a matter of national pride and shows that India is steadily emerging as a major hub for advanced and responsible artificial intelligence.

Describing the summit as a “global turning point”, he said India’s talent and innovation will contribute to building an inclusive AI future for the world.

Also Read: JNU protest turns violent after VC remark

Shikhar Dhawan begins new innings with Sophie Shine

Cricket stars and celebrities join in to celebrate the former opener’s wedding

Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has stepped into a new phase of his life, marrying Sophie Shine in a warm and intimate ceremony surrounded by close friends, family and a few well-known faces from the cricketing world. The wedding, held in Delhi-NCR, blended traditional rituals with joyful, candid moments that quickly found their way onto social media and into the hearts of fans.

Dressed in an elegant sherwani, Dhawan looked relaxed and visibly happy, while Sophie Shine complemented him in a graceful bridal outfit. The pictures showed more than just the rituals,  they captured laughter, dancing and quiet, emotional exchanges that reflected the couple’s journey together.

Among those present at the celebrations were BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla and cricketers Rohit Sharma and Irfan Pathan, underlining Dhawan’s strong bonds within the cricket fraternity.

Dhawan and Sophie had kept their relationship largely private in the early days, making their public appearance together only last year. Their engagement earlier this year was followed by the wedding a few weeks later, making it a quick but meaningful transition into married life.

For Dhawan, who has spoken openly in the past about personal challenges and the importance of family, the ceremony seemed to mark a moment of renewal. The cricketer, fondly known as “Gabbar,” appeared at ease throughout the festivities, often seen smiling, dancing and posing playfully with guests.

Sophie, who comes from a professional background in marketing and corporate consulting, is said to share Dhawan’s interest in his off-field ventures and charitable work, something friends describe as a strong foundation for their partnership.

Wishes poured in online from the sports and entertainment worlds, with actors and fellow players congratulating the couple and calling it a “beautiful new beginning.”

Also Read: Rashmika and Vijay confirm “The Wedding of Virosh”

Boong wins BAFTA for Best Children’s Film

Farhan Akhtar-backed Manipuri movie becomes first from Manipur to earn the global honour

The Manipuri-language film Boong has brought international acclaim to India by winning the BAFTA award for Best Children’s & Family Film at the 2026 ceremony in London. The achievement marks a major milestone for cinema from the Northeast, with Boong becoming the first film from Manipur to receive the prestigious British Academy honour.

Produced by Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment and directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong is a coming-of-age drama that follows the lives, friendships and aspirations of children growing up in Manipur. The film has been widely appreciated for its cultural authenticity, simple narrative style and emotional depth that connects with audiences beyond geographical boundaries.

Set against the everyday social landscape of the State, the film offers a sensitive portrayal of childhood while reflecting local realities and experiences that are rarely seen in mainstream global cinema. Its rooted storytelling and universal themes helped it stand out among strong international contenders in the category.

At the awards ceremony, the team dedicated the win to the people of Manipur and to children whose stories often remain underrepresented on the world stage. The recognition is being viewed as a cultural milestone as well as a breakthrough for filmmakers from the region.

Boong was the only Indian film nominated in its category this year, making its victory particularly significant. The BAFTA win is expected to open new doors for films from the Northeast and strengthen the presence of indigenous-language cinema at international platforms.

The achievement has been widely celebrated across India, with members of the film industry calling it a proud moment that highlights the power of authentic, locally rooted stories in global cinema.

Also Read: Shikhar Dhawan begins new innings with Sophie Shine

India US trade talks postponed

Washington tariff changes prompt negotiators to delay the meeting

India and the United States have put off a planned meeting of their top trade negotiators. The three‑day session in Washington, set to start on February 23, will be rescheduled so both sides can study recent changes in US tariff policy.

India’s team, led by a senior commerce ministry official, was to turn an agreed framework into a formal interim trade deal. Under that framework, the US had agreed to roll back some extra duties on Indian goods. But the exact legal text still needed to be written and signed.

The pause came after new tariff moves in Washington following a court ruling about the US administration’s authority to set import levies. The US announced adjustments to its tariff schedule, including temporary increases that could affect duties on Indian exports. These changes created uncertainty about how much tax Indian products would face and for how long.

Because of this, both governments decided it was better to delay the meeting and reassess the situation. Officials said they will pick new dates once they understand how the US tariff changes interact with the proposed interim deal. Earlier timelines that aimed for a March signing and April implementation are now likely to be pushed back.

Also Read: Delhi–Meerut RRTS opens, travel time cut

Delhi–Meerut RRTS opens, travel time cut

Sarai Kale Khan turns into NCR’s largest multimodal hub with Metro, rail and future rapid corridors

The full commissioning of the Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) has brought high-speed regional travel to the National Capital Region, reducing the journey between the two cities to less than an hour. The 82-km corridor, now operational from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut, is India’s first rapid rail line and is expected to significantly ease daily commuting.

Namo Bharat trains on the route run at high operational speeds and cover the distance in around 55–60 minutes, compared with the earlier travel time of over two hours by road. The faster, reliable service is set to benefit office-goers, students and business travellers while improving connectivity across Delhi, Ghaziabad and Meerut.

A major highlight of the project is the development of Sarai Kale Khan as a mega multimodal transport hub. The station seamlessly connects with the Delhi Metro, Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station and the Inter-State Bus Terminal, allowing passengers to change between different modes of transport within a single complex. It will also act as the central interchange for the upcoming Delhi–Panipat and Delhi–Alwar RRTS corridors, making it the core of the region’s future rapid rail network.

Designed for high commuter volumes, the hub features smooth pedestrian movement, dedicated pick-up and drop-off areas and modern passenger amenities. The trains offer facilities such as reserved sections for women, premium coaches, CCTV surveillance and space for luggage, aligning the system with global standards of regional transit.

Officials say the corridor will encourage a shift from private vehicles to public transport, helping reduce congestion and pollution across the NCR. The improved connectivity is also expected to influence housing and employment patterns by making long-distance daily travel faster and more predictable.

Also Read: Shikhar Dhawan begins new innings with Sophie Shine