Times of India

An American A-10 Thunderbolt II jet crashed into the Strait of Hormuz shortly after an F-15E Strike Eagle was reportedly shot down over Iran. The Iranian embassy in South Africa shared footage, claiming "American fighter jets are being shot down one by one." The A-10's pilot was safely rescued, though details surrounding the crash remain scarce.

Excessive screen exposure in young children is leading to autism-like behaviors, a phenomenon doctors are calling "virtual autism." This condition, distinct from neurodevelopmental autism, is characterized by developmental slowdown and can be reversed by reducing screen time and increasing real-world interaction. Early intervention focusing on play and communication is crucial for recovery.

A tragic accident in Dindori, Nashik, claimed the lives of nine family members. The group, including six children, was returning from a coaching class get-together when their vehicle veered off the road. It plunged into a deep well in Shivaji Nagar late Friday night. Rescue operations were swift but sadly unsuccessful.

Nasa's Artemis II mission has released stunning first photographs of Earth as the crew journeys toward the moon. Captured by Commander Reid Wiseman, these images showcase our planet's beauty from the Orion spacecraft. This mission, a crucial step for future deep-space exploration and lunar missions, tests systems as the astronauts prepare for their lunar flyby and return to Earth.

Kevin O'Leary, the Canadian billionaire, asserts that artificial intelligence is elevating human creativity, making artists and storytellers more valuable than ever. He highlights how compelling social media content, especially short-form videos, now commands significant salaries due to measurable customer acquisition. O'Leary believes AI is a powerful productivity tool, fostering new industries and opportunities across all economic sectors.

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer faces a hefty ₹24 lakh fine for a slow over-rate, marking their second such offence. The team's playing XI also incurred fines. Another breach could lead to Iyer's suspension and a ₹30 lakh penalty, adding pressure as PBKS aims for consistency with many matches remaining.

Meta is implementing further job cuts, eliminating hundreds of roles in Silicon Valley as the tech giant significantly increases its investment in artificial intelligence. These permanent layoffs, scheduled for late May, add to previous reductions and come as CEO Mark Zuckerberg prioritizes AI development and productivity enhancements.

Candace Owens reacted after a federal judge dismissed most of Blake Lively’s claims against Justin Baldoni, leaving only three issues for trial. The ruling removed serious allegations like sexual harassment and defamation. The case will now focus on retaliation claims when the trial begins on May 18, 2026, as reported by The Guardian and Entertainment Weekly.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed skepticism regarding reports of the Centre withdrawing the FCRA Amendment Bill, warning of its potential reintroduction. He stated the opposition will remain vigilant to prevent amendments causing anxiety among religious minorities. Opposition MPs had previously protested the bill, citing concerns for NGOs and minority groups

Michael Vaughan and Simon Doull question Chennai Super Kings' captaincy dynamics, suggesting Ruturaj Gaikwad might feel threatened by new signing Sanju Samson's leadership credentials. Despite Samson's underwhelming start, his past success as captain at Rajasthan Royals looms large. This discussion follows CSK's second consecutive defeat, highlighting evolving leadership concerns within the team.

Iran has reportedly rejected a US proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire, with an unnamed source citing the offer was delivered via an intermediary. Tehran insists on a guaranteed, permanent end to hostilities and has dismissed claims by US President Trump about seeking a temporary truce.

NFL trade rumours picked up their pace again as the Chicago Bears are reportedly emerging as a serious contender to acquire veteran wide receiver Tyreek Hill. This potential move follows the team's trade of DJ Moore, creating a void in their receiving corps. Adding Hill's proven deep-threat ability could significantly boost Chicago's offence and its immediate competitiveness. For now, nothing is official. No deal has been agreed. Still, the direction is clear. The Chicago Bears want to boost their offense, and this move could play a big role in that plan if it becomes reality.

In a significant maritime achievement, an Indian LPG tanker has successfully maneuvered through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, flanked by six compatriots that have already reached Indian shores. However, the tension persists as seventeen Indian vessels, two of which are LPG carriers, hold position on the western side, biding their time for a chance to make the journey.

India's R Praggnanandhaa missed a prime chance for victory at the Candidates Tournament, settling for a draw against Andrey Esipenko. Meanwhile, Vaishali Rameshbabu faced her first defeat against Zhu Jiner in the Women's Candidates, while Divya Deshmukh secured a hard-fought draw. The tournament's early stages show a strong lead by Javokhir Sindarov.

In a shocking incident in Macherla, Andhra Pradesh, a 32-year-old woman employed by the government experienced a horrific attack in her home. An unidentified man broke in, brandishing a knife, and committed a violent act against her, using an iron rod in a deeply disturbing manner.

The Congress party has criticized the BJP's recently announced 'special session', accusing it of violating campaign regulations, particularly regarding the contentious women's quota bill, which they claim is aimed at influencing voters in Tamil Nadu and Bengal. They express concern over proposed adjustments to parliamentary seats, warning it could marginalize smaller states and exacerbate regional inequalities.

Hardik Pandya is actively working to prove his fitness for bowling 10 overs in ODIs, aiming to be a key player for the 2027 World Cup. Despite initial concerns from the BCCI, he has demonstrated his readiness in domestic matches and is undergoing rigorous training to assure selectors of his bowling capabilities.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' continues its impressive box office run, crossing Rs 1500 crore worldwide. The spy thriller saw a significant jump on its third Friday, with India net collections nearing Rs 1000 crore. The film's strong performance indicates further growth over the weekend.