Times of India

The Char Dham yatra has experienced a 26% decrease in pilgrim footfall compared to last year, with 2.9 lakh devotees visiting the shrines. Officials attribute this decline to improved planning and staggered registration, implemented to prevent overcrowding. Despite the slower start due to the staggered opening schedule, the yatra is expected to gain momentum later in May, with over 25 lakh people already registered.

Following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, India launched 'Operation Sindoor,' a retaliatory strike destroying nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and PoK. Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor lauded the operation and praised its codename's emotional resonance and the armed forces' decisive action. "Clever, especially given the government’s penchant for creative acronyms! But jokes apart, #OperationSindoor is a brilliant name," Tharoor said in a post on X.

Roger Binny and Devajit Saikia lauded Rohit Sharma on his Test retirement, acknowledging his calm leadership and team-first approach. Sharma, who debuted in 2013, played 67 Tests, amassing 4,301 runs with 12 centuries. As captain, he secured 12 wins in 24 Tests, leaving behind a legacy of discipline and excellence, while continuing to participate in ODI campaigns.

Starlink has received a Letter of Intent from the Indian government for its satellite communication services, signaling progress in its pursuit of an Indian satcom license.

Ishika Bala, a class 10 student from the Maoist-affected Kanker district, triumphed over blood cancer and emerged as the state board exam topper with an impressive 99.2%. Her success story shines as a beacon of hope in a region with low female literacy. Akhil Sen, the class 12 commerce topper, also hails from Kanker, highlighting the district's academic excellence.

Following Rohit Sharma's Test retirement announcement, head coach Gautam Gambhir dispelled rift rumors with a supportive message, praising Sharma's leadership and contributions. Gambhir had previously dismissed speculation about tension, emphasizing their successful partnership in winning the Champions Trophy. Former teammate Shikhar Dhawan also celebrated Sharma's Test career, wishing him well for the future.

India conducted a nationwide civil defence exercise named 'Operation Abhyaas'. The exercise simulated various emergency scenarios across multiple states and union territories. Drills included air raids, fire emergencies, and rescue missions. Delhi experienced sirens, evacuations, and a brief blackout. Other states like Punjab, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu also conducted similar exercises.

Delhi Capitals have signed Afghanistan's Sediqullah Atal for Rs 1.25 Crore as a replacement for Harry Brook, who opted out of IPL 2025 due to personal reasons. Atal, known for his aggressive batting, averages 34.25 in T20s and played a key role in Afghanistan's ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 victory.

Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from Test cricket, concluding a career where he scored 4301 runs in 67 Tests, including 12 centuries. The 38-year-old will continue to lead India in ODIs, having already retired from T20Is. His departure means India needs a new Test captain for the upcoming series in England.

In a cinematic landscape driven by high-budget spectacles, action-packed sequences, and star-studded lineups, Chhaava, a film rooted in the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has carved a unique space by resonating deeply with audiences, especially in Maharashtra. Its success lies not in glitz, but in its grounded narrative and cultural authenticity. ETimes spoke to audiences to understand what drew them to Chhaava.

A flu-like outbreak has led to the quarantine of over 1,000 mules and horses, suspending equine services on the Kedarnath yatra route for a third day. Following the deaths of 15 animals and detection of equine influenza symptoms, authorities have isolated affected animals and initiated widespread screening and treatment.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack and escalating tensions, Indian stock markets have shown resilience, with Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex rising. Conversely, Pakistan's stock market crashed, reflecting economic vulnerabilities and investor jitters.

In a striking coincidence, Rohit Sharma mirrored MS Dhoni's retirement timing, announcing his exit at 19:29 IST, reminiscent of Dhoni's 2020 departure. Sharma, 38, declared his Test retirement via Instagram, expressing gratitude for the support he received. His career concluded with 4301 runs in 67 matches, including 12 centuries, and a commendable captaincy record.

Rohit Sharma, India's Test captain, has retired at 37. His last match was against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India lost the series 1-3. Sharma became captain in 2021 after Virat Kohli. He led India to the World Test Championship final. India won against West Indies and England under his leadership. However, India lost to New Zealand and Australia.

Rohit Sharma's retirement from Test cricket prompted a heartfelt reaction from his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, who expressed her emotions with heartbreak emojis on social media. Sharma, aged 38, concluded his Test career with 4,301 runs in 67 matches, including 12 centuries. He captained India in 24 Tests, securing 12 wins. He will continue to represent India in the ODI format.

Rohit Sharma, the seasoned Indian cricketer, has announced his retirement from Test cricket after a decade-long career. The 38-year-old shared his decision on Instagram, expressing gratitude for representing India in the longest format. This move comes amid speculation about his place in the Test side, especially with the England series approaching.

MS Dhoni reminisced about his extensive cricket experience at Eden Gardens, hinting it could be his last appearance at the venue. With CSK out of playoff contention, Dhoni emphasized the importance of evaluating players for the next season, giving opportunities to Urvil Patel and others.

In a surprising turn, Rohit Sharma declared his retirement from Test cricket via an Instagram story. This decision comes amidst reports suggesting his place in the upcoming Test series against England was uncertain. While stepping away from the longer format, the 38-year-old will continue to represent India in ODIs.