Times of India

Former Indian all-rounder Kapil Dev declined to comment on teenage IPL star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, saying experts like Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri are better suited to judge him. The 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals opener has scored 404 runs in IPL 2026, including a 36-ball century, earning widespread praise and India call-up discussions.

The Bharatiya Janata Party is making inroads in Kerala, challenging the state's traditional two-front political system. Recent elections show the BJP gaining ground in specific constituencies, turning contests into triangular battles. This shift is evident in Lok Sabha and local body polls, indicating a gradual disruption of the established LDF-UDF dominance. The party focuses on select seats for strategic growth.

Foreign investors are exiting Indian stocks, with outflows reaching Rs 60,847 crore in April, following a massive Rs 1,17,775 crore sell-off in March. This trend signals sustained weakness in overseas investor sentiment, as global capital shifts towards Asian economies benefiting from the AI investment boom, particularly South Korea and Taiwan.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps stated the US faces a choice between an "impossible" military operation or a "bad deal," as diplomatic efforts have stalled. Tehran reportedly submitted a 14-point proposal to Pakistan, outlining a 30-day framework to resolve issues, including US troop withdrawal and sanctions relief.

A victory for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam(DMK)-led front would be read primarily as an endorsement of the ruling party’s leadership. Chief minister MK Stalin remains the central figure in the state’s political battle, and governance credit is expected to accrue largely to his party. For Congress, which continues as a junior partner in the alliance, such an outcome would ensure representation and continuity, but not necessarily greater political ownership.

As vote counting looms for five key states, the 2026 assembly elections represent a critical juncture for national parties and regional strongholds. The BJP seeks geographic expansion, while the Congress fights for relevance. Regional forces face mounting pressure, making the outcome a test of India's political trajectory.

Puducherry's vote counting begins Monday for its 30 constituencies, a high-stakes election with record 89.83% turnout. The ruling NDA, led by AINRC, faces a strong challenge from the Congress-led SPA and emerging player TVK. Key constituencies like Thattanchavady and Mannadipet are closely watched.

Amidst hardship, dark humor emerges as a vital survival tool, offering a defiant spark against despair. This article explores how gallows humor, distinct from denial, helps individuals and communities cope with overwhelming realities. It highlights Gen Z's use of memes as a modern form of crisis comedy, underscoring laughter's profound psychological and biological benefits.

Global oil prices surged to a four-year high amid escalating US-Iran tensions and fears of a Strait of Hormuz closure, impacting gasoline prices and broader economies. Analysts warn of a potential global recession due to supply disruptions, with shortages already affecting various goods. Experts predict further price hikes until the strait reopens.

The 36-year-old replaced Ramandeep Singh in the KKR XI for their ninth match of the season. He had been bought for Rs 75 lakh at the auction and had not played earlier in the season.

Wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma clarified his "unprofessional" comment about young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, explaining it stemmed from their close friendship. Sharma stressed that the 15-year-old is a typical teenager who enjoys simple pleasures. He urged against placing undue pressure on the youngster, advocating for him to enjoy his childhood while focusing on cricket.

Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak stated he has not received information about FIRs filed against him, suspecting political misuse. Punjab Police registered two non-bailable FIRs against Pathak after he switched from AAP to BJP. BJP and SAD leaders condemned the actions as political vendetta.

Candace Owens is facing renewed backlash after quietly editing a controversial thumbnail linked to her latest episode. Critics claim the changes were subtle and failed to address the core issue, while supporters continue to defend her intent. The episode was also renamed and added to a series, raising further questions. The controversy has grown alongside reports of legal action against conspiracy-driven content tied to Erika Kirk and Charlie Kirk.

India's leather and footwear industry faces a 40-60% surge in input costs due to the Middle East crisis, impacting petroleum-based materials and imports. Industry representatives are urging the government for import duty exemptions on raw materials and machinery to mitigate these rising expenses and strengthen domestic manufacturing.

Diljit Dosanjh paused his Calgary concert amid pro-Khalistan flags, addressing criticism. He defended his efforts to highlight Punjab's issues on platforms like Kaun Banega Crorepati and The Tonight Show, stating his focus remains on his homeland. This follows past controversy with Sikhs For Justice over his interactions with Amitabh Bachchan.

Estimates vary, but the range broadly suggests the UDF could cross the halfway mark in the 140-member House, with projections spanning from around 70 seats at the lower end to close to 90 at the higher end. In contrast, the LDF is largely seen falling short, with projections indicating a ceiling below a simple majority. If these projections hold, the outcome would carry significance beyond a routine change of government.

Apex Legends' Season 29, 'Overclocked,' launches May 5, 2026, bringing exciting new content. Players can anticipate the arrival of Axle, a swift Skirmisher legend focused on slide mechanics, and the innovative Deathbox Respawns feature, allowing teammates to be revived directly at their fallen comrades' deathboxes. This update promises a fresh experience for the popular battle royale.

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha is set to meet President Droupadi Murmu on May 5 to voice concerns regarding the alleged misuse of state machinery in Punjab. He plans to highlight political vendetta against former AAP MPs who recently joined the BJP. Chadha, along with three other MPs, will present these issues to the President.