Times of India

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge' continues its steady box office run, grossing over Rs 1785 crore globally after 44 days. Despite facing new competition, including Riteish Deshmukh's 'Raja Shivaji' which took the lead on Friday, 'Dhurandhar 2' added Rs 1.05 crore on its 7th Friday, bringing its India net collection to Rs 1,136.14 crore.

Candace Owens is facing a potential lawsuit threat from Laura Loomer after refusing to retract claims involving Erika Kirk and the 2025 killing of Charlie Kirk. Owens insists she stands by her statements, while Loomer warned legal action is imminent. The dispute has intensified with a separate lawsuit filed by Brian Harpole, escalating tensions.

MS Dhoni's return to IPL 2026 is imminent as he makes steady progress from a calf injury, according to CSK batting coach Michael Hussey. Dhoni is focusing on regaining full running fitness, with the final decision on his availability resting with him. He has deliberately stayed away from the dugout to avoid distracting the team.

KL Rahul downplayed his personal milestone of surpassing MS Dhoni on the IPL all-time run-scorers list, emphasizing team success and trophies as his ultimate goal. Despite individual achievements, Rahul stated his primary focus remains on winning the IPL, aiming to match Dhoni's five championship titles.

A Bangladeshi MP warns of a potential Muslim refugee influx from India, citing regional conspiracies possibly linked to recent elections in Assam and West Bengal. He drew parallels to Rohingya arrivals and cited remarks about expelling illegal Bangladeshis. Concerns were also raised about ongoing border killings and potential "push-in" situations, suggesting an emerging crisis.

Air India is exploring unbundling meals and lounge access on domestic and short international flights to combat rising costs. Passengers could see ticket prices reduced by opting out of these services. This move aims to address the financial strain from increasing fuel prices and a depreciating rupee, while acknowledging India's price-sensitive market.

The government has clarified the Rs 81,000 crore Great Nicobar Project, emphasizing its strategic importance for India's presence in the Andaman Sea and Southeast Asia. Officials stated that environmental safeguards and the protection of indigenous communities are core to the planning, with all statutory procedures and consultations meticulously followed to ensure no adverse impact on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.

Trinamool Congress has moved the Supreme Court, challenging a directive mandating central government employees as counting supervisors or assistants for Bengal's assembly election vote count. The party argues this is arbitrary, discriminatory, and creates bias, especially with the BJP at the Centre. They claim it unfairly alters the counting table composition, undermining a level playing field and free elections.

The Pentagon is withdrawing approximately 5,000 US troops from Germany, a move signaling heightened tensions with European allies over the Iran conflict. This decision follows sharp criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding Iran negotiations. The drawdown aims to return US troop levels in Europe to pre-Ukraine war figures, reflecting broader US frustration with NATO allies' perceived lack of support.

The Finance Ministry has declared the West Asia conflict a "war," enabling government entities to invoke 'force majeure' for public contracts impacted by disruptions. This allows for penalty-free extensions of two to four months for affected companies, offering significant relief to sectors like defence and drone manufacturing facing supply chain issues.

A sudden storm capsized a cruise boat on Bargi Dam, trapping 70-year-old Riyaz Hussain Sayyed underwater for three harrowing hours. He survived by finding a small air pocket within the submerged vessel. Tragically, his wife and daughter, who were on the lower deck, did not survive the ordeal. Rescuers eventually located and freed Riyaz.

While most of India may experience normal to below-normal temperatures this May due to increased rainfall, certain regions, including Himalayan foothills, eastern coast, and parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat, are predicted to face an above-normal number of heatwave days. Warmer nights are also anticipated across many areas, linked to climate change.

The Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, deeming allegations against Assam CM's wife and her counter-allegations politically motivated. The court emphasized personal liberty, stating custodial interrogation wasn't warranted given the political overtones of the dispute.

Kolkata police have imposed strict prohibitory orders around EVM strongrooms following Trinamool's vote tampering claims and clashes with BJP workers. Security has been heightened with additional forces and sealed roads. The Election Commission vows to punish any disruption, emphasizing robust security at all counting centers statewide to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

Trinamool Congress has raised concerns with the Election Commission regarding alleged CCTV blackouts and unauthorized access to EVM strongrooms. BJP dismissed these claims as tactics by a party anticipating defeat. TMC representatives reported seeing individuals inside sealed rooms without party agents present, fueling suspicion ahead of counting day.

Northstowe's Hindu community faces a significant challenge as they bid for a faith/community land plot to establish their first temple. Currently, families travel 40 miles for worship, impacting cultural connection. Hindu Samaj Northstowe proposes an interfaith hub with prayer rooms and a temple, competing with a church-led bid offering multi-faith spaces.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah met with Leh leaders, including Sonam Wangchuk, focusing on spiritual matters during his visit. Shah assured that Ladakh-specific issues would be discussed in a sub-committee meeting on May 22, urging an open mind for dialogue. This meeting follows previous inconclusive talks and past protests demanding statehood and safeguards.

Tragedy struck on the outskirts of Jammu as an under-construction bridge collapsed, claiming the lives of two workers. A massive rescue effort involving Army, NDRF, and SDRF is underway. One injured worker was rescued, while at least one person remains feared trapped. The sudden cave-in offered no warning to the laborers.

Laboratory reports have confirmed that H5N1 avian influenza caused the deaths of 44 peacocks in Tumakuru between April 16 and April 24. Authorities have sounded a high alert in 33 villages within a 10-km radius and are implementing disinfectant spraying and enhanced surveillance to prevent further spread.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah refuted claims of removing Urdu from revenue jobs, stating a proposal is under consideration for public feedback, not a final decision. He challenged the PDP to produce an order, accusing them of misrepresenting the process.