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

April 09, 2026  flasnewsesblogspot.com  No comments

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

April 09, 2026  flasnewsesblogspot.com  No comments

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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'Kutte Ki Dum': Mukesh Khanna On Samay's 'Shaktimaan Ne Bachhe Maare' Remark

April 09, 2026  flasnewsesblogspot.com  No comments

A year after Samay Raina landed in a proverbial soup for the infamous episode of his show India's Got Latent featuring Ranveer Allahbadia, the stand-up comedian clapped back at his trolls in his inimitable style through a stage act which only seems to have ruffled more feathers.

A day after clips of Samay Raina's special Still Alive started going 'crazy' on the Internet, veteran actor Mukesh Khanna lashed out at the actor for targeting him.

In an Instagram post, the Shaktimaan star and producer wrote, "Kutte ki dum tedhi rehti hai. Use lakh sheeshiyon mein rakho, baahar nikalo. Phir tedhi ki tedhi. Samay Raina ki bhi ek dum hai. Kitna bhi maaro, seedha karo, wo wapas tedhi ho jaati hai. Kyunki wo seedha-saada praani nahin hai. (The dog's tail remains crooked. You can try putting it in a bottle, bring it out, and it will still be crooked. Samay Raina too has a crooked tail. No matter how much thrash it, straighten it,, it will still go back to being crooked. Because he is not a simple, straightforward creature).

"Wo roasted praani hai... poore desh ne latada maara. Phir aa gaya besharmon ki tarah aur maar khane. Ab ek hee cheez baaqi hai. Uska muh kaala karke gadhe par bitha kar desh bhar ke shehron mein, galiyon mein uski parade karni chahiye jahan bachhe usko ande-tamatar maarein kyunki usne unke superhero Shaktimaan ka apmaan kiya hai (He is a roasted creature... The whole country has already rebuked him. Now, he is back like a shameless person to get more beatings. Now only one thing remains: his face should be blackened, he should be mounted on a donkey, and paraded through all the cities and lanes of the country, where children pelt him with eggs and tomatoes, because he has insulted their superhero Shaktimaan)."

In his 1.21-hour special Still Alive, Samay Raina spoke about how things went south when the India's Got Latent episode went viral on social media for all the wrong reasons. Last year, the comic faced severe backlash after Ranveer Allahbadia landed in a major controversy over his comment on parents and sex at his comedy variety show. Legal trouble, multiple FIRs, and summons from the National Commission for Women (NCW) followed.

Samay Raina pointed out how Mukesh Khanna also waded into the controversy. At the time, the veteran actor had criticised Ranveer Allahbadia.

"This is a serious offence. It should not be taken lightly. Offenders should be punished heavily in order to discourage people in future from making such ashleel and irresponsible statements. Someone asked me what I think should be done. I said, 'You should hold him and beat him. Make him sit on a donkey with his face painted black and make him tour the nation'," Mukesh Khanna had said at the time.

After a year, Samay Raina opened up about how he felt when 'Shaktimaan' himself went after them.

"Shaktiman aa gaya tha yaar. Shaktiman se kaise ladenge? Sorry, Shaktimaan! Tune bachhe maare hain fak-fak-fak karke, tu kya moral high ground lekar baitha hai? (Shaktimaan also joined in. How will we fight Shaktimaan? Sorry, Shaktimaan! Shaktimaan has killed children 'fak-fak-fak karke'. How are you taking the moral high ground?)"

In his special, the comic also announced that he will not back down and bring another season of India's Got Latent after the controversy.

Also Read | Full Episode: Why Samay Raina Got In Trouble For India's Got Latent



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

April 08, 2026  flasnewsesblogspot.com  No comments

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.

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

April 08, 2026  flasnewsesblogspot.com  No comments

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"

April 07, 2026  flasnewsesblogspot.com  No comments

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."

"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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"I Am A Businessman First": Trump Eyes Iran Oil As War Expands

April 06, 2026  flasnewsesblogspot.com  No comments

 President Donald Trump has said the United States could take control of Iranian oil resources as part of the outcome of the ongoing conflict, framing it as a potential economic return for military action.​

"If I had my choice… yeah, because I'm a businessman first," Trump said when asked about securing Iran's oil. He pointed to past US actions elsewhere to justify the idea.​

Drawing a parallel with Venezuela, Trump said US involvement there had already yielded energy gains. "We are a partner with Venezuela, and we've taken hundreds of millions of barrels… over 100 million barrels already," he said.​

He framed the approach as a departure from past US policy. "To the victor belong the spoils… we haven't had that in this country probably in 100 years," Trump said.​

Trump argued that securing oil resources could offset the cost of military operations. "It paid for that war many, many times over," he said, referring to Venezuela.​

The comments come amid heightened tensions with Iran and ongoing military operations. Trump described Iran as significantly weakened. "They have no navy… they have no Air Force… they have no anti-aircraft weaponry," he said.​

At the same time, he suggested economic control could follow military dominance. "We're the winner… why shouldn't we?" he said, when discussing broader post-conflict arrangements.​

Trump also linked energy strategy to broader geopolitical goals, including control over key transit routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. Ensuring "free traffic of oil" remains a priority in negotiations, he said.​

However, the proposal to take over another country's oil resources is likely to raise legal and diplomatic concerns, particularly under international law governing sovereignty and conflict.​

Responding to questions, Trump indicated that decisions would depend on how negotiations with Iran unfold. "We have to have a deal that's acceptable to me," he said, adding that talks were ongoing and approaching a deadline.​

The remarks highlight a transactional approach to foreign policy, where military success could translate into economic leverage. They also underscore the centrality of energy security in the current U.S. strategy toward Iran.

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



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Artemis II Astronauts Regain Contact With NASA After 40-Minute Blackout

April 06, 2026  flasnewsesblogspot.com  No comments

The four astronauts carrying out NASA's first lunar flyby in more than half-a-century were sending back detailed observations of the Moon after traveling further from Earth than any human before.

NASA's mission control in Houston regained contact with the crew after they temporarily lost signal for some 40 minutes, as their spacecraft passed behind Earth's natural satellite.

"It is so great to hear from Earth again," said astronaut Christina Koch, as the crewmembers were once again able to speak with humans on their home planet.

"We will always choose Earth, we will always choose each other."

Earlier the Artemis II team broke the distance record set by the 1970 Apollo 13 mission, which they were expected to surpass by 4,105 miles (6,606 kilometers) when they reached the journey's anticipated furthest distance from Earth -- 252,760 miles (406,778 kilometers).

It was one of the voyage's most notable achievements yet.

Astronaut Jeremy Hansen said the moment was "to challenge this generation and the next, to make sure this record is not long-lived."

The lunar flyby observation period will continue until approximately 9:20pm eastern (0120 GMT). 

Soon astronauts will witness a solar eclipse, when the Sun will be behind the Moon.

 'Wow'

The more than six-hour task of observing and documenting the lunar surface brought human perspective to features of the Moon that we primarily know through photographs taken by robots.

Victor Glover detailed the "terminator" -- the Moon's boundary between night and day.

"Wow -- I wish I had some more time to just sit here and describe what I'm seeing," he said, before creating a vivid portrait for the scientists listening in from Earth. 

"But the terminator right now is just fantastic. It is the most rugged that I've seen it from a lighting perspective."

Kelsey Young, the lead scientist for the Artemis II mission, responded with elation. "Oh my gosh, that was an amazing picture you just painted," she said. 

"Those types of observations are things that humans are uniquely able to contribute, and you just really brought us along with you."

Fellow astronaut Christina Koch meanwhile offered a colorful rendering of lunar craters.

"What it really looks like is like a lampshade with tiny pinprick holes and the light shining through," she said. "They are so bright compared to the rest of the Moon."

Moon memorials

The Orion capsule is zipping around the Moon before U-turning and heading back to Earth in a so-called "free-return trajectory," a return-trip that will take about four days.

Adding to the historic nature of the mission led by Reid Wiseman, the Artemis II crew includes several firsts.

Glover will be the first person of color to fly around the Moon, Koch will be the first woman, and Canadian Hansen the first non-American.

Monday's celestial workday included a poignant moment just after the crew broke the distance record, when they proposed designating two previously unnamed craters.

The first they requested to name in honor of their spacecraft's nickname, "Integrity."

They offered a second name, "Carroll," for another crater, which they asked be named after the late wife of mission commander Reid Wiseman, who died of cancer.

"It's a bright spot on the Moon," said Hansen, his voice breaking with emotion. "And we would like to call it Carroll."

The astronauts embraced, and mission control in Houston held a moment of silence.

"Integrity and Carroll crater, loud and clear. Thank you," said Gibbons.

NASA said they would formally submit the name proposals to the International Astronomical Union, the body charged with naming celestial bodies and surface features.

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



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

April 06, 2026  flasnewsesblogspot.com  No comments

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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Body Found In Remote Pool Identified As Hungarian Reality Star-Influencer

April 05, 2026  flasnewsesblogspot.com  No comments

Police in Gran Canaria, Spain have confirmed that a body found in a remote natural pool belongs to Hungarian reality TV star and influencer Annabella Lovas, according to a report by The Sun UK. The 32-year-old was identified through dental records after investigators sent a tooth sample to Interpol as part of a lengthy and detailed investigation.

Lovas had first been reported missing in November 2024. Police later traced her to an apartment in Playa del Ingles, where she confirmed she was safe. However, concerns were raised again soon after she disappeared once more, according to the news report.

On March 6 last year, a body was discovered in a natural pool in the Berriel Ravine following heavy storms. The woman was found partially naked, and her body had been in the water for around three weeks. Forensic experts struggled to obtain DNA due to the condition of the remains.

Search teams used drones and helicopters to scan the difficult terrain but were unable to locate any belongings or clues.

According to The Mirror, Police believe Lovas may have been living on the streets after running out of money. Investigators suspect she died elsewhere on the island before floodwaters carried her body to the remote location.

Police chief Pablo Fernandez Sala described the investigation as complex and demanding. He said officers initially relied on distinctive tattoos to try to identify the victim. The dental analysis later provided the breakthrough needed to confirm her identity.

Lovas rose to fame in 2021 after appearing on the Hungarian version of The Bachelor and later built a strong following on social media.



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He Stopped A Thief At A British Supermarket, It Cost Him His 17-Year Career

April 05, 2026  flasnewsesblogspot.com  No comments

A 54-year-old employee at Waitrose has lost his job after stopping a shoplifter at a London store, bringing an end to his 17-year career, according to The Metro.

Walker Smith said the incident happened at the Clapham Junction branch when a customer alerted him that a man had filled a bag with Lindt Gold Bunny Easter eggs. Smith said he recognised the man as a repeat offender and stepped in to recover the stolen items.

According to the news report, he grabbed the bag, but a brief struggle followed as the shoplifter tried to take it back. The bag tore, chocolates fell to the floor, and the suspect ran out of the store. Smith admitted he later threw a broken piece of chocolate in frustration, though he said it was not aimed at anyone.

Smith said he had been warned earlier not to confront shoplifters, but growing frustration over frequent thefts pushed him to act. He claimed such incidents had become common, with limited security staff on certain days.

A few days later, he was called into a meeting and dismissed. Smith said he apologised and described the store as "like family", but the decision stood. He added that he is now worried about paying rent after recently moving into his own flat.

Retail crime has been rising across the UK, with over 5 lakh shoplifting cases recorded in England and Wales in the past year. Industry groups say many retail workers face abuse and pressure while dealing with theft.

Waitrose said its policies are designed to protect staff and customers, adding that employees are expected to follow safety rules and avoid situations that could put lives at risk.



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US Almost Did Not Rescue Its F-15 Airman Thinking It Was An Iranian Trap

April 05, 2026  flasnewsesblogspot.com  No comments

Navy SEAL Team 6 special operations troops went into the mountains of Iran on Saturday night to rescue the missing US F-15 airman. But before that, the mission came close to never launching at all.

US President Donald Trump told Axios that when a radio message came through from the stranded weapons systems officer of the downed F-15E, US officials initially suspected it was an Iranian deception designed to lure American forces into a trap.

Trump told the US news outlet the airman sent a short, unusual message after ejecting from the aircraft. "He said: 'Power be to God.'" 

After the radio message came through, they suspected he might already be in Iranian custody and that the Iranians were "sending false signals" to draw US forces in.

Trump also said the US military had "beeping information" about the officer's location, which was being tracked even as doubts about the radio message grew.

As per the report, people who knew the officer confirmed he was a religious person.

"Thousands Were Hunting Him Down"

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 28 February. Both crew members ejected. The pilot was recovered shortly after, but the weapons systems officer could not be immediately located.

7,000 Feet Up, Alone, Armed With Handgun: US Airman's 48 Hours In Iran

Speaking to Axios an hour after confirming the rescue, Trump said that "thousands of these savages were hunting him down."

"Even the population was looking for him. They offered people a bonus if they captured him," he said.

Trump said Iran shot down the F-15 using a shoulder-fired missile, adding, "They got lucky."

The crew member survived more than 24 hours in the mountains while wounded before being rescued in a special forces operation on Saturday. Around 200 soldiers from special operations units participated in the rescue, Trump said.

How The CIA Bought Time

Before the airman's location was confirmed, the CIA launched a deception campaign of its own, spreading word inside Iran that US forces had already found him and were attempting a ground extraction. The aim was to buy time and throw Iranian search teams off course.

Inside The "Most Daring" Rescue Op In US History: What We Know, And Don't

The CIA used what officials described as "unique capabilities" to track the airman as he moved through mountainous terrain and avoided locals. Once his precise location was pinpointed, it was shared with the White House, the Pentagon and the US military, and a special forces team was inserted nearby on Saturday night.

According to the New York Times, Navy SEAL Team 6 commandos led 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 the airman's position. 

Iran Says The Operation Failed

Iran's military denied that the rescue took place. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesman for the military's central command, Khatam Al-Anbiya, said the US operation had been "completely foiled."

"The so-called US military rescue operation, planned as a deception and escape mission at an abandoned airport in southern Isfahan under the pretext of recovering the pilot of a downed aircraft, was completely foiled," he said in a video statement on state television.



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India Makes First Iranian Oil Purchase In 7 Years, With "No Payment Hurdle"

April 04, 2026  flasnewsesblogspot.com  No comments

Indian refiners have purchased Iranian oil amid the Middle East conflict that has disrupted supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, the oil ministry said on Saturday.

The world's third-biggest oil importer and consumer, India has not received a cargo from Tehran since May 2019, following US pressure not to buy Iranian crude, but supply disruptions from the war have hit the country.

"Amid Middle East supply disruptions, Indian refiners have secured their crude oil requirements, including from Iran; and there is no payment hurdle for Iranian crude imports," the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said on X.

Last month, the United States temporarily removed sanctions on Iranian oil and refined products to ease supply shortages.

India has secured its full requirements of crude oil for the coming months, the ministry added.

"India imports crude oil from 40-plus countries, with companies having full flexibility to source oil from different sources and geographies based on commercial considerations."

India has also bought 44,000 metric tons of Iranian liquefied petroleum gas loaded on a sanctioned vessel. The ministry said the vessel, which berthed at the western port of Mangalore on Wednesday, is discharging the fuel.

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



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