Donald Trump confirms “lone wolf” suspect taken down by Secret Service; one officer injured but saved by ballistic vest, accused hospitalized as investigation continues.
Washington, D.C.,Apr26(BNP): U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that a suspected gunman has been apprehended following a shooting incident that disrupted the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday evening.
Speaking at a press conference at the White House, President Trump described the suspect as a “lone wolf” attacker who was swiftly neutralized by U.S. Secret Service personnel. “He was taken down by some very brave members of the Secret Service, and they acted very quickly,” the President stated.
During the incident, one Secret Service officer sustained a gunshot impact but was protected by a ballistic vest. “The vest did the job,” President Trump added, underscoring the effectiveness of the protective gear and the rapid response of security forces.
According to officials, the suspect—identified as a resident of California—was apprehended alive at the scene and subsequently transported to Howard University Hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have not yet released the individual’s identity.
All attendees, including the President and other protected individuals, were safely evacuated from the venue following the incident. Law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigation to determine the motive and any possible connections.
The April 24 – May 17 trading card game auction features collectibles spanning the history of the hobby
April 25, 2026 – Goldin, an internationally renowned auction house known for rare and record-breaking collectible sales, today opened its 2026 Spring TCG & Manga Elite Auction, running April 24 through May 17. The auction presents a curated selection of rare Pokémon cards, video games, and original artwork alongside elite manga products.
This standout auction exemplifies the fast-growing TCG and manga crossover market, where globally recognized franchises like Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Naruto are converging with high-end trading card collectibles into one of the most dynamic segments in pop culture collecting. It is led by a 1992 Magic: The Gathering Gamma Playtest Uncut Sheets Collection consisting of 16 sheets and 252 cards, representing an early developmental stage of the game and one of the most significant Magic offerings ever presented for public sale.
The auction is also anchored by a 1998 Pokémon Japanese Promo Bronze 3rd Place 3rd Tournament Trophy Pikachu, one of the rarest and most prestigious tournament-issued Pokémon cards in existence. Pokémon highlights are further represented by a 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Holo Blastoise.
Marking Goldin’s commitment to manga as a premier collectible category, the auction includes three of the most historically important publications in manga history: the 1984 Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #51, featuring the first appearance of Dragon Ball; the 1997 Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #34, featuring the first appearance of One Piece; and 1999 Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #43, featuring the first appearance of Naruto. Also featured is a collection of 12 sealed One Piece OP01 Romance Dawn Booster Boxes — Blue Bottom with Original Distributor Case, representing the first print run of the One Piece TCG.
On the sealed product side, the auction features a 1996 Pokémon Japanese Base Set Factory-Sealed Booster Box (60 Packs), the first-ever Pokémon booster box produced, alongside a 2002 Pokémon Legendary Collection Factory-Sealed Blister Store Display (24 Blister Packs) and a 2005 Pokémon European EX Deoxys Factory-Sealed Booster Box.
Rounding out the Spring TCG & Manga Elite Auction is a 2001 Nintendo Game Boy Color Pokémon Crystal Version, a 2021 Baccarat Limited Edition Hiroshi Fujiwara Pikachu, and a Pokémon Origins Episode 4 Production Mewtwo Sketch, among additional lots spanning complete sets, sealed video games, and artwork.
The 2026 Spring TCG Elite Auction will close on May 17, with extended bidding beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET.
Additional ongoing auctions include the Spring Game Used Auction, open through tomorrow, April 25, alongside the Cheetos Memorabilia Auction featuring Megan Thee Stallion & Nickelback, until May 4, the Music Memorabilia Auction, running through May 6, and the April Elite Auction, closing May 9.
With a superb summer slate, Goldin is preparing to open the: Vintage Star Wars Auction on May 1; the USA 250 Auction on May 8, celebrating the semiquincentennial of the United States and headlined by an original Declaration of Independence Broadside; the World Cup Auction on May 11; the Combat Sports Auction on May 14; the May Elite Auction on May 15; the Spring Pop Culture Auction on May 21; and the highly-anticipated Goldin 100 on May 27.
New Delhi, Apr 25 (BNP): As large parts of the country continue to reel under intense heatwave conditions, there are encouraging indications of an early onset of the southwest monsoon this year. According to projections and global weather models, the monsoon is likely to reach India’s southern coast, particularly Kerala, between May 27 and 29, offering much-needed relief from soaring temperatures.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heatwave conditions may persist in the coming days, with temperatures across several northern, central, and eastern regions hovering between 43°C and 44°C. However, forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts indicate a favourable shift in weather patterns, suggesting an early advancement of the monsoon system.
Early Signals from Andaman Region Meteorological projections suggest that the monsoon could first reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands between May 18 and 25. Thereafter, moisture-laden winds are expected to intensify over the Arabian Sea, triggering rainfall across southern states, including parts of Tamil Nadu, by the last week of May.
Favourable Conditions Strengthen Outlook Experts note that strengthening westerly winds and easing concerns over El Niño are contributing to a more optimistic monsoon outlook. While precise onset dates remain subject to further monitoring, early indicators point towards above-normal rainfall in southern regions during the initial phase of the season.
Meteorologists add that clearer projections are expected by early May. Current trends, however, align with last year’s pattern of an early monsoon onset, raising the possibility of another ahead-of-schedule transition into the rainy season.
Relief for Heat-Hit Regions, Boost for Agriculture An early monsoon is expected to provide significant relief to heat-affected regions, particularly along the southwest coast. Beyond easing temperatures, timely rainfall will play a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities, especially the upcoming sowing season.
Weather assessments also indicate a gradual build-up of rain-bearing clouds along the Kerala coastline towards the end of May, reinforcing expectations of an early onset. Authorities and citizens are advised to stay updated with official forecasts as the monsoon system progresses.
Jaipur, April 25, 2026: In a high-scoring clash in the ongoing Indian Premier League, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, successfully chasing down a daunting target of 206 with seven balls to spare.
The match was headlined by a sensational century from Sai Sudharsan, who scored a Magnificent 100 off 58 balls, including 11 boundaries and five sixes. Despite his heroic effort, the innings went in vain as Bengaluru’s batting unit delivered a composed and clinical chase.
Sudharsan’s knock also etched his name in the record books, as he became the fastest player to reach 2,000 IPL runs in terms of innings (47), surpassing Chris Gayle, who previously held the record with 48 innings.
Earlier in the innings, Sudharsan and Shubman Gill provided Gujarat with a solid foundation through a 128-run opening partnership. This marked their eighth century stand in the IPL, placing them among the most successful batting pairs in tournament history—behind only the iconic duos of Virat Kohli–AB de Villiers and Kohli–Gayle.
While Gill contributed a steady 32 off 24 balls, Sudharsan dominated the scoring. Jos Buttler added 25 off 16 deliveries but failed to convert his start into a bigger innings, as Gujarat Titans finished at a competitive 205/3.
In response, Royal Challengers Bengaluru executed a strong chase, with Virat Kohli leading from the front and earning the Player of the Match award for his match-winning contribution.
IPL Match 36 Preview – Jaipur Clash
Attention now shifts to Jaipur, where the 36th league match of IPL 2026 will see Rajasthan Royals (RR) take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Match Details:
Fixture: Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
A key highlight of the match will be the much-anticipated face-off between emerging talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi and SRH pacer Praful Hinge. In their previous encounter, Hinge made headlines by dismissing Suryavanshi for a golden duck as part of a historic three-wicket opening over—an IPL first.
With playoff stakes rising and momentum shifting across teams, IPL 2026 continues to deliver electrifying cricket, combining record-breaking performances with exciting new rivalries.
Dubai, UAE, 24th April 2026:Formula 1® today announced that the Turkish Grand Prix will return to the FIA Formula One World Championship™ from 2027, with Istanbul Park confirmed on the calendar through the 2031 season following a new agreement with Türkiye’s Ministry of Youth and Sports. The Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) will be Formula 1’s delivery partner for the future events.
The Turkish Grand Prix was last staged in 2020 and 2021 when Sir Lewis Hamilton secured his seventh Drivers’ Championship in 2020 – equalling Michael Schumacher’s all-time record.
Istanbul Park first joined the Formula 1 calendar in 2005 and quickly earned a reputation as one of the championship’s most technically demanding tracks. The 5.33-kilometre layout features dramatic elevation changes that challenge both driver skill and car performance. The multi-apex turn 8 is an incredible test of driver precision and commitment, challenging their ability to maintain speed and balance through its long, sweeping left-hander.
The most recent winner at Istanbul Park was Valtteri Bottas in 2021 with Mercedes, who alongside Sir Lewis Hamilton, is one of only two current drivers to have won the Turkish Grand Prix.
Türkiye has hosted nine Grands Prix and is a venue loved by teams, drivers and fans alike, with the circuit producing competitive racing throughout the field. Brazilian driver Felipe Massa holds the record for the most victories at Istanbul Park, taking three consecutive wins between 2006 and 2008 while driving for Ferrari, and other drivers including Kimi Räikkönen, Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button have also triumphed at the circuit.
Formula 1 continues to grow in Türkiye where the sport has more than 19 million fans, and over 7.5 million followers on social media. Instagram followers have grown by 25% year-on-year, and YouTube views have increased by 107%.
FIA President H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem said “Formula 1’s return to Türkiye is a powerful reflection of the continued global growth and appeal of our sport, and I am delighted to see the Turkish Grand Prix rejoin the FIA Formula One World Championship calendar.
“Istanbul Park is a circuit that holds a special place in Formula 1 history, and its return underlines our shared commitment to expanding the championship in dynamic markets.
“My thanks to His Excellency, President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and to Eren Üçlertoprağı, President of FIA Member Club, the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED). Through this strong collaboration we are not only securing the long-term future of Formula 1 in Türkiye, but also supporting the continued development of motorsport, strengthening the foundations for sustainable growth in the years to come.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye, said:
“Formula 1 ranks among the world’s foremost sporting events, distinguished by its spectacle, its young fan base, and its leadership in automotive technologies.
“In our country, too, Formula 1 enjoys a broad following across all age groups – especially among our youth – with a truly passionate fan base.
“The races reach nearly 19 million people in our country, while around 7.5 million follow them closely on social media.
“We have hosted Formula 1 a total of 9 times: 7 races between 2005 and 2011, and two races during the COVID period in 2020 and 2021.
“Istanbul Park – particularly famous for its Turn 8 and a favourite among racing enthusiasts – will, Inshallah, once again host five seasons of exciting, high-quality races between 2027 and 2031.
“I regard Türkiye’s return to the Formula 1 calendar as a clear reflection of the strong confidence placed in our country – in our robust organisational capacity, in our modern sports and healthcare infrastructure, and, of course, in the renowned hospitality of the Turkish Nation.
“As Türkiye, we will once again fulfil this trust by delivering a flawless organisation in every respect, just as we have done in the past.
“I extend my sincere congratulations to everyone who has contributed to bringing Formula 1 back to our country and to Istanbul.
“I hope that Türkiye’s partnership with Formula 1 – as a country of motorsport – will continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.”
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said:
“We are delighted to be returning to the incredible and vibrant city of Istanbul from 2027 to thrill all our fans in Türkiye and around the world on one of the most exciting and challenging circuits in Formula 1.
As a city, Istanbul represents a cultural gateway between Europe and Asia, offering a unique blend of history and tradition with a forward-thinking approach to sport, business, and entertainment.
“I want to thank His Excellency President Mr. Erdoğan, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation for their support in securing Formula 1’s return. Many memorable moments have been made in our sport’s history at Istanbul Park and I’m excited to begin the next chapter of our partnership, giving fans the opportunity to experience even more incredible racing in a truly fantastic location.”
Eren Üçlertoprağı, President of FIA Member Club, the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED), said:
“I am very pleased to share that thanks to the unwavering support of our State and intensive efforts, we take great pride in announcing that we have secured the return of Formula 1 Turkish GP. In this regard, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to His Excellency Our President, our Minister of Youth and Sports, and our Minister of Culture and Tourism, as well as their respective ministries, for their invaluable support. We also extend our sincere thanks to the President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile FIA, His Excellency Mr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem and CEO of Formula 1, Mr. Stefano Domenicali.
“Preparations are already well underway for the race, scheduled for 2027. Thanks to utilising full strength of our State, we will work tirelessly to host an organisation worthy of Türkiye and Istanbul, performed in front of packed grandstands.”
Chennai, Apr 24 (BNP): Sanju Samson produced a brilliant unbeaten 101 to lead Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to a strong total of 207 runs in a dominant batting display.
Samson held the innings together after early wickets and played a controlled yet aggressive knock, ensuring CSK recovered well and finished strongly. His timely acceleration in the death overs helped push the team past the 200-run mark.
The right-hander’s effort stood out as a lone fightback, with limited support from the other end, but he maintained composure throughout to anchor the innings.
With this century, Samson once again underlined his consistency and ability to deliver under pressure in big matches.
Bhubaneswar, Apr 24 (BNP): In a consumer-friendly move during the intense summer season, the Odisha government has directed that electricity connections will not be disconnected for non-payment of dues during the peak heat period.
The instruction has been issued by Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister K. V. Singh Deo to the state Energy Department and all power distribution companies (DISCOMs).
The decision has been taken to ensure uninterrupted power supply for residents as temperatures rise sharply across the state, increasing the demand for electricity for cooling and essential household needs.
Officials said the directive is aimed at providing temporary relief to consumers, especially vulnerable households, during extreme weather conditions. However, they added that the relaxation is seasonal and does not waive outstanding dues, which will still need to be cleared by consumers in due course.
The move is expected to help prevent hardship during peak summer months while maintaining focus on reliable power access across urban and rural areas.
Authorities have also urged consumers to use electricity judiciously, even as supply companies work to manage rising demand across the state.
New Delhi, Apr 24 (BNP): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged India’s banking sector to step up its defences against emerging digital threats, cautioning that rapid advances in artificial intelligence are reshaping the risk landscape for financial institutions.
Speaking at a recent review meeting with senior bankers and officials, the minister stressed that cybersecurity can no longer be treated as a back-end function. Instead, she said, it must become a core priority as banks handle growing volumes of digital transactions and sensitive customer data.
Sitharaman pointed out that newer AI-driven tools have the potential to exploit system vulnerabilities more quickly and at a larger scale than before. In this context, she encouraged banks to invest in smarter monitoring systems, strengthen internal safeguards, and stay alert to evolving threat patterns. She also highlighted the importance of coordination among financial institutions and government agencies to respond effectively to cyber risks.
Alongside technology-related concerns, the minister drew attention to external pressures stemming from ongoing tensions in West Asia. She noted that global uncertainties, particularly those affecting energy markets and trade routes, could have a ripple effect on financial stability. Banks, she said, must remain prepared for sudden shifts in the global economic environment.
The message from the finance ministry signals a broader push to make India’s banking system more resilient—both digitally and economically—as it adapts to fast-changing technologies and an increasingly unpredictable global backdrop.
Gujarat, Apr 24 (BNP): The Deendayal Port Authority has initiated discussions with global logistics major DP World to develop the proposed Tuna-Tekra terminal, a move expected to enhance capacity and efficiency at the Kandla port ecosystem.
According to officials familiar with the matter, the talks are part of a broader effort to modernize infrastructure and position Kandla as a more competitive logistics hub on India’s western coast. The proposed terminal at Tuna-Tekra is likely to focus on handling next-generation cargo volumes while improving turnaround times for vessels.
Sources indicated that both sides are exploring ways to integrate advanced technologies and streamlined operations into the project. If finalized, the collaboration could bring in global best practices in port management, helping the region handle rising trade demand more effectively.
The development comes at a time when cargo traffic across major ports is witnessing steady growth, driven by increased industrial activity and export momentum. Strengthening facilities at Tuna-Tekra is expected to ease congestion at existing berths and create additional capacity for future expansion.
Industry stakeholders believe that such partnerships can play a crucial role in improving logistics efficiency, reducing costs, and supporting India’s ambitions to become a global trade hub. The Kandla region, already a key gateway for bulk and container cargo, stands to benefit significantly from upgraded infrastructure and enhanced connectivity.
While discussions are still at a preliminary stage, officials expressed optimism that the project could attract further investment and generate new economic opportunities in the region.
Apr,24(BNP): At least five people, including a journalist, were killed and another injured in fresh Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon on Wednesday, despite an ongoing ceasefire, further heightening tensions in the region.
According to reports, the strikes occurred even as Lebanon prepares to seek a one-month extension of the existing truce during upcoming talks with Israel in Washington, D.C. under United States mediation. The current 10-day ceasefire, announced following initial negotiations last week, is set to expire on Sunday.
Lebanese officials stated that their delegation will push for an extension of the truce, a complete halt to Israeli military operations in affected areas, and firm commitments to uphold the ceasefire agreement. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confirmed that diplomatic efforts are underway to prolong the ceasefire period.
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called for cooperation from Lebanon against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, which has been central to the ongoing conflict. Although Hezbollah opposes direct negotiations, there are indications it may consider indirect talks facilitated by the United States.
The conflict, which began on March 2, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction. Lebanese authorities report that at least 2,454 people have been killed since the escalation began, with over 50,000 housing units damaged or destroyed.
In the latest incident, journalist Amal Khalil was among those killed in the strikes, while another journalist was injured. Lebanese officials condemned the attack, stating that media personnel were targeted while performing their professional duties. The Israeli military, however, stated that the strikes targeted individuals allegedly linked to Hezbollah and accused them of violating ceasefire terms.
Despite the truce, sporadic exchanges of fire have continued, with Hezbollah also claiming retaliatory strikes against Israeli positions in southern Lebanon.
The situation remains volatile, with international stakeholders closely monitoring developments. Calls for restraint and adherence to ceasefire agreements continue to grow amid fears of further escalation.
